No. H 175/07
For release September 17, 2007
OTTAWA — Mr. Brian Jean, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, today inaugurated the Canada Pavilion as part of the Canadian Trade Mission to the 23rd World Road Congress, which will be held from September 17 to 21, 2007, in Paris, France. For the occasion, Mr. Jean was accompanied by the ministers of transport of Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Manitoba and Quebec.
The Canada Pavilion, one of the biggest national pavilions at the Congress, will showcase the products and services of 46 Canadian organizations. This exhibition brings together experts, professionals, and leaders in the international road community.
"The purpose of the Canadian Trade Mission is to offer our expertise to the world and in return learn about the most recent developments in cutting-edge technology and best practices in the field of roads and road infrastructure," said Mr. Jean. "Through its participation and leadership, the Government of Canada is pleased to facilitate this global dialogue, which is essential to safe and effective management of roads and road infrastructure for all the citizens of the world."
The Canadian Trade Mission, consisting of some 200 members, was organized by Transport Canada. Its purpose is to enable representatives of the Canadian road community – governments, private corporations, associations and the research community and universities – to use the Congress as a springboard to promote their products, services and expertise. It also gives participating businesses and organizations an opportunity to develop relationships with international representatives of the road transportation industry.
"The Canadian Trade Mission at the 23rd World Road Congress demonstrates the importance we give to dialogue and to the exchange of ideas on road infrastructure and road transportation," added Mr. Jean. "This type of event and the discussions it promotes are essential to maintaining the vitality of the Canadian economy."
"I am proud of Canada's participation in the Congress and thank my provincial counterparts who agreed to participate in such great numbers," said Minister Cannon. "The 23rd Congress will be an opportunity to invite the entire world to visit Quebec City, which will be hosting the World Road Association's next international event, the 13th Winter Road Congress in 2010."
The World Road Association is a not-for-profit international organization created in 1909. Its Congress, which is held every four years, is a forum for participants to share their expertise on the latest road transportation methods and technologies from around the world. The Congress allows participants from around the world to share points of view and best practices on infrastructure and transportation. The one held in Paris will mark the centennial of the World Road Association and its congresses.
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Contacts:
Karine White
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Transport,
Infrastructure and Communities, Ottawa
613-991-0700
Media Relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055
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