OTTAWA, February 1, 2007 - The Honourable Helena Guergis, Secretary of State (Foreign Affairs and International Trade) (Sport), welcomed the entry into force of UNESCO's International Convention against Doping in Sport by announcing today a $50,000 contribution to the UNESCO Fund for the Elimination of Doping in Sport. "The entry into force of the Convention marks another important milestone for sport," said Secretary of State Guergis. "It is a true demonstration that nations worldwide are working together with the sport movement to create an environment that enables athletes to compete on a fair and equal playing field. Canada's contribution will help strengthen anti-doping activities around the world, notably in the areas of education and capacity building."The UNESCO International Convention against Doping in Sport promotes the prevention and ultimate elimination of doping in sport. The Convention aims to harmonize anti-doping efforts worldwide, while acknowledging the mandate of the World Anti-Doping Agency. Under the Convention, governments formally accept to take action, collectively and individually, to eliminate doping in sport. The UNESCO Fund for the Elimination of Doping in Sport is a voluntary fund that was established as part of the Convention Against Doping in Sport. Contributions from Member States, private or public bodies, as well as individuals, are invested in the creation and implementation of anti-doping programs that facilitate resource development, knowledge expansion, and worldwide sharing of best practices.Canada has played a leading role in the development of the Convention and has chaired intergovernmental meetings and negotiations at UNESCO to ensure progress and consensus on an international anti-doping Convention. On October 19, 2005, the Convention was unanimously adopted at the 33rd UNESCO General Conference in Paris, France. Canada became the second country to ratify the Convention, on November 29, 2005. On December 11, 2006, the Convention reached the threshold of 30 ratifications, paving the way for its entry into force. To date, 45 states have ratified or accepted the Convention.Our country is respected worldwide for its domestic anti-doping program and policies, administered by the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport, and for its commitment to protecting the integrity and spirit of sport by promoting a doping-free, fair, and ethical environment for athletes. The coming into force of the Convention is a reflection of Canada's role as a leading sport nation and its contribution to the international anti-doping movement. Canada will be taking part in the first Conference of Parties concerning the implementation of the Convention, from February 5 to 7, 2007, at UNESCO's headquarters in Paris.Information: Sally HarrisSpecial AssistantOffice of the Secretary of State (Foreign Affairs and International Trade) (Sport) 613 992-4224Donald BoulangerA/Chief, Media RelationsCanadian Heritage819 994-9101
