January 29, 2009
No. 24
The Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, and the Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, will travel to Davos, Switzerland, from January 30 to February 1, 2009, to attend the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum. The theme of this year’s meeting is “shaping the post-crisis world.”
“The World Economic Forum recognized the strength of our economy when they recently ranked Canada’s financial system as the soundest in the world. This is an important message to convey in Davos, where I will be advancing Canada’s trade, investment, and science and technology interests with our key partners,” said Minister Day. “I will also emphasize the fact that Canadian businesses have proven to be world-class competitors. Opening doors for these companies will be a key priority during my meetings.”
“In the face of a synchronized global recession, it is critical for Canada to have a strong voice and a clear plan on the world stage,” said Minister Flaherty. “In addition to stimulating our economy and protecting the Canadians hit hardest, Canada’s Economic Action Plan lives up to the international commitments we have made to help the world deal with the crisis. Canada entered the crisis in a strong position and we will exit even stronger. I look forward to presenting Canada’s plan and economic advantages to the rest of the world in Davos.”
The World Economic Forum is an international organization dedicated to establishing and furthering dialogue among global leaders in the public and private sectors. More than 40 heads of state and government and upwards of 20 ministers of trade are expected to attend this year’s meeting. This is the first gathering of world leaders since the G20 met in Washington in November to discuss the global financial crisis. Some 1,400 business executives will also be in attendance.
The Government of Canada has been invited to the Forum’s annual meetings since 1982.
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For further information or photos, media representatives may contact:
Mélisa Leclerc
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway
613-992-6186
Trade Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-996-2000
www.international.gc.ca/commerce/index.aspx
Chisholm Pothier
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Finance
613-996-7861
Jack Aubry
Media Relations
Department of Finance
613-996-8080
www.fin.gc.ca/fin-eng.asp
