(No. 236 - August 17, 2011 - 4 p.m. ET) The Honourable Diane Ablonczy, Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas and Consular Affairs), today met in Calgary with business and academic stakeholders in the Americas.
“Holding a dialogue with Canadian stakeholders in the Americas is essential for us to be able to deliver on our commitments in the hemisphere,” said Minister of State Ablonczy. “Canadian companies doing business in the region and academics conducting research on the hemisphere have unique perspectives to contribute to our work on democracy, prosperity and security in the Americas.”
During the one-day visit, Minister of State Ablonczy met with representatives of Nexen Inc. and Talisman Energy Inc., which are both Canadian companies with oil and gas operations in Latin America. She also met with University of Calgary academics who are conducting research on the Americas.
“We had an opportunity to exchange views and share thoughts on trade and investment opportunities in the Americas in support of Canada’s prosperity objectives in the hemisphere,” said the Minister of State. “Job creation and economic growth in the region will contribute to advancing security and democratic governance.”
This outreach tour comes after Minister of State Ablonczy’s return from accompanying Prime Minister Stephen Harper to Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica and Honduras. During the trip, the government announced 25 initiatives in a broad range of areas, including trade, air transportation, taxation, development cooperation and support for human rights, peace and security.
Minister of State Ablonczy took this opportunity to update stakeholders on the Prime Minister’s trip to the region and the latest developments in Canada’s engagement in the Americas.
Minister of State Ablonczy will continue her western outreach tour in Edmonton and Vancouver on August 18 and 19, respectively.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
John Babcock
Senior Communications Adviser
Office of the Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas and Consular Affairs)
613-944-2300
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
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