(No. 376 – December 8, 2009 – 5:45 p.m. EST) The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement expressing concern over the deteriorating human rights situation in Iran:
“Canada is deeply concerned by Iran’s deteriorating human rights situation, which has significantly worsened since Iran’s presidential elections in July.
“On December 7, Iranian security forces once again used intimidation and violence against opposition protesters, including students, on the anniversary of Students’ Day. The Iranian government’s ongoing effort to restrict freedom of expression and assembly, thereby depriving its citizens of their rights, is deplorable. The people of Iran deserve to have their voices heard and to enjoy the rights to which they are entitled.
“Canada is also troubled by reports that Iran is planning to carry out the execution of Mohammad Reza Haddadi on December 9. Mr. Haddadi was convicted of a crime that was committed when he was 15 years old. Canada notes that juvenile executions are in direct contravention of Iran’s international obligations and commitments.
“We once again call upon Iran to meet its human rights obligations, in law and practice.”
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Natalie Sarafian Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs 613-995-1851
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada 613-995-1874
(No. 375 – December 8, 2009 – 4:30 p.m. EST) The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement regarding the five devastating car bombings that occurred in Baghdad this morning, killing more than 120 people and wounding hundreds.
“Canada is outraged by the series of deadly suicide attacks that took place in Baghdad today, targeting innocent Iraqi citizens and government buildings.
“Canada strongly condemns these criminal acts that seek to undermine the Iraqi people’s efforts to promote peace and reconciliation. Such cowardly deeds cannot weaken their extraordinary bravery and resilience.
“On behalf of all Canadians, I offer my sincere and heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of those killed and wish a speedy recovery to those injured in the bombings. Our thoughts are with the Iraqi people.
“Despite these horrific acts, the Government of Canada welcomes, and is encouraged by, the Iraqi government’s announcement that parliamentary elections will take place on March 7, 2010. Iraq’s democratic development is testament to the triumph of consensus building over violence. Canada stands firmly with Iraq’s people and government as they work together to advance democracy and the rule of law. In the face of today’s tragedy, Canada encourages all Iraqis to remain steadfast in their pursuit of peace.”
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Natalie Sarafian Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs 613-995-1851
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada 613-995-1874
Lancaster Sound is the eastern entrance to the Northwest Passage, the legendary corridor through Canada’s Arctic archipelago. It is an area of critical ecological importance to marine mammals, including seals, narwhal, beluga and bowhead whales, as well as walrus and polar bears, and it is bordered by some of the most important seabird breeding colonies in the Arctic, with populations totalling in the hundreds of thousands.
Several fjords border Lancaster Sound and its adjacent waterways and tidewater glaciers reach the ocean along the northeastern coast. The dynamic oceanography of the area ensures that portions of Lancaster Sound remain comparatively ice free throughout the year, providing critical habitat for large concentrations of birds and mammals, as well as crucial feeding areas when access to ice-covered waters to the west is impossible.
Human occupation and use of the Lancaster Sound region can be traced back to the Dorset and Thule cultures that preceded Inuit for whom the region is now home. European exploration for the Northwest Passage brought several expeditions to the region, including the fabled Franklin expedition. Remnants of whaling and trading posts at a number of locations along the shores of the region are evidence of later whaling and trading activities.
As climate change continues and year-round marine transport through the Northwest Passage becomes increasingly likely, it is important to take appropriate protective measures to safeguard this significant and diverse region in the Canadian Arctic. Working with other federal departments, the Government of Nunavut, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., Qikiqtani Inuit Association, and local communities, Parks Canada will undertake a study of the feasibility of establishing a national marine conservation area in Lancaster Sound. The feasibility study will determine whether the establishment of a marine conservation area under the Canada National Marine Conservation Areas Act is a practical approach to the protection and ecologically sustainable use of this region.
National Marine Conservation Areas
National marine conservation areas are marine protected areas managed for ecologically sustainable use. They include the seabed, the water above it and all living resources. They may also take in wetlands, estuaries, islands and other coastal lands.
National marine conservation areas focus on ecologically sustainable use, which means harmonizing conservation practices with human activities such as fishing, shipping and recreation. Waste dumping, mining, and oil and gas exploration and exploitation are prohibited throughout these special areas.
This approach involves working closely with others who use the lands, waters, and living resources striving to reach common goals ¯ most importantly a healthy, sustainable ecosystem.
State Luncheon hosted by the His Excellency Felipe Calderón Hinojosa, President of the United Mexican States, andMrs. Margarita Zavala de Calderón
Mexico City, Monday, December 7, 2009
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Earlier, I told you about my personal affection and admiration for your country, as well as the strong attachment many of my fellow Canadians have for Mexico, a favourite destination.
Whether they want to discover a culture of infinite wealth, share ideas in areas of common interest, or explore co-operation or business opportunities—or all these at once—let me assure you, Excellency, Canadians have fallen under Mexico’s charm.
And any discussion of the relationship between our two countries must take this genuine affection into account.
We are both friends and continental partners who believe wholeheartedly in the democratic values of justice and fairness, in the rule of law and respect for personal freedoms.
And we are delighted with the joint efforts we are making to improve security and increase prosperity across the entire hemisphere.
We share your conviction, Excellency, that democracy is an ongoing process of building and improving our institutions.
I am also very grateful to you for graciously hosting this luncheon in honour of this State visit, as it gives us an opportunity to have a real discussion about the challenges we are facing.
Let us make the most of this wonderful opportunity to offer our perspectives, make suggestions and—why not?—share our dreams, like we would so freely and joyously do at a family meal.
I feel I can talk about family ties because the ties that unite our people are so strong.
It is therefore in the spirit of solidarity and fellowship—which we hold so dear—that I sincerely hope people and organizations in both Mexico and Canada will follow our example and continue this already lively dialogue.
Because I believe that only through dialogue can we eliminate any discontent in our harmonious relationship, a relationship that is, for us—Canadians and Mexicans—a promise for the future.
Excellency, I would like to raise my glass to our very special friendship!
Montreal, December 8, 2009 – Tandem Expansion, a private investment firm focused on growth capital for high-potential Canadian technology companies, today announced the initial closing for $300 million of its first fund: Tandem Expansion Fund I, L.P (“The Fund”). The Fund received investments from a number of leading public, private and institutional investors, including the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), Export Development Canada (EDC) and Teralys Capital, a private technology-focused fund of funds.
Teralys Capital, EDC and BDC are providing the majority of the funds. BDC contributed $80 million, while Teralys and EDC each committed $75 million to the fund. The principals of Tandem Expansion have also made a significant investment alongside the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec and the B.C. Renaissance Capital Fund.
“We are very pleased to have raised $300 million in the current environment and have been impressed by the quality of the investment opportunities presented to us so far,” said Charles Sirois on behalf of Tandem Expansion. “Having reached this important milestone, Tandem is now open for business and ready to invest its capital and operational expertise to help high-potential Canadian technology companies succeed internationally.”
“BDC identified an important gap in the Canadian capital markets ecosystem which prevented promising technology companies from accessing the funds needed to mature and compete in the global marketplace,” said Jean-René Halde, BDC President and Chief Executive Officer. “By helping launch this new Fund, we are directly addressing this issue. We are delighted to have such high-quality co-investors join us in the Tandem venture.”
“Only five months after launching our operations, Teralys Capital is pleased to announce its first investment already,” said Jacques Bernier, Managing Partner, Teralys Capital. “We are proud to support Tandem. They are skilled investors and experienced entrepreneurs who bring the required expertise to grow outstanding entrepreneurial technology companies into global market leaders.”
“EDC’s $75 million commitment reflects our interest in supporting strong Canadian companies who might otherwise miss growth opportunities because of a lack of funds,” said Eric Siegel, President and CEO, EDC. “Promising Canadian technology companies have had to look to the U.S. for late-stage capital or have been faced with closing their doors. The net result has been a loss of intellectual property or lacklustre financial returns, and EDC wants to have a hand in helping bring those benefits home. “
The Fund’s general partner, Tandem Expansion, was co-founded by two of Canada’s most experienced venture capital/private equity investors, Charles Sirois and Brent Belzberg. Tandem’s managing partners – David Bookbinder, Andre Gauthier, Christopher Legg and Alex Moorhead – who will run the day to day operations of the Fund all have significant investment and entrepreneurial experience domestically and internationally.
For more information regarding Tandem, and to contact the Fund regarding investment opportunities, please visit www.tandemexpansion.com.
About Teralys Capital
Teralys Capital is a technology-focused fund of funds financing private venture capital funds that invest in information technology, life sciences and cleantech companies. The fund has over $700 million in capital commitments from Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, the Solidarity Fund QFL and Investissement Québec. Teralys Capital is also managing two existing portfolios of venture capital funds with additional assets under management of over $600 million. It is currently the largest fund of funds in Canada.
About BDC BDC is Canada’s business development bank. From more than 100 offices across the country, BDC promotes entrepreneurship by providing highly tailored financing, venture capital and consulting services to entrepreneurs. Visit www.bdc.ca for more information.
About EDC EDC is Canada’s export credit agency, offering innovative commercial solutions to help Canadian exporters and investors expand their international business. EDC’s knowledge and partnerships are used by more than 8,300 Canadian companies and their global customers in up to 200 markets worldwide each year. EDC is financially self-sustaining, a recognized leader in financial reporting and economic analysis, and has been named one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers for nine consecutive years.
About the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec
The Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec is a financial institution that manages funds primarily for public and private pension and insurance plans. At December 31, 2008, it held $120.1 billion of net assets. As one of the leading institutional fund managers in Canada, the Caisse invests in the main financial markets as well as in private equity and real estate. For more information: www.lacaisse.com.
About B.C. Renaissance Capital Fund
The B.C. Renaissance Capital Fund Ltd. (the “BCRCF”) is a Crown corporation that is wholly owned by the BC Immigrant Investment Fund (BCIIF). The purpose of the BCRCF is to attract successful venture capital managers and their capital to British Columbia in order to develop promising, innovative technology companies in the Province. The BCRCF was created for the purposes of pursuing investment in four key technology sectors: new media, information technology, life sciences and clean technology. To date, the BCRCF has committed capital to seven venture fund managers based in the United States and Canada that have approximately $2B in capital under management for investment.
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Media Contact:
For Tandem Expansion
Louise Kozier
Longview Communications
604-694-6033
Building Canada Fund – Quebec, Communities
Component
Saint-Roch-des-Aulnaies, Quebec, December 7,
2009 – Bernard Généreux,
Member of Parliament for
Montmagny–L’Islet–Kamouraska–Rivière-du-Loup,
speaking on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of
State for Canada Economic Development, and Claude Béchard,
Member of the National Assembly for
Kamouraska–Témiscouata, Minister of Agriculture,
Fisheries and Food, Minister responsible for Canadian
Intergovernmental Affairs and the Reform of Democratic
Institutions, Deputy Leader of the Government and Minister
responsible for the Bas-Saint-Laurent Region, speaking on behalf of
Laurent Lessard, Minister of Municipal Affairs, Regions and
Land Occupancy, are pleased to announce that the municipality of
Saint-Roch-des-Aulnaies is to receive $10,677,270 in joint funding
under the Communities component of the Building Canada
Fund–Quebec, for drinking water supply, installation of
waterworks and sanitary and storm sewer systems, and construction
of a wastewater treatment system.
The project involves the installation of drinking water
distribution and wastewater collection systems, combined with
construction of an aerated pond treatment plant. Some
385 people will benefit from this project.
“The project for drinking water supply, installation of
waterworks and sewer systems and construction of a wastewater
treatment system for Saint-Roch-des-Aulnaies will benefit local
residents and businesses,” stated Bernard
Généreux. “We are proud to be able to offer
Canadians a quality of life for which this country is renowned.
Indeed, the Government of Canada is committed to equipping every
community with modern facilities to ensure Canadians’ health
and safety. The renewal of public infrastructure is part of a vast
action plan that will enable our country to prosper in a healthy
environment.”
“In supporting this project, the Quebec government is
moving forward to ensure that the province’s municipalities
have infrastructure suited to their unique realities and focussing
on sustainable development,” stated Claude Béchard.
“By injecting new capital into the Quebec Infrastructure
Plan, the government is seeking to accelerate the execution of
numerous infrastructure projects in Quebec, such as the one planned
in Saint-Roch-des-Aulnaies, in order to enhance Quebecers’
well-being, create jobs and promote a high-performance economy. In
this way, we are leaving the municipality a legacy of quality
infrastructure essential for facing the challenges of the
future.”
Completion of this project will require total eligible
investment of $11,322,662. The governments of Canada and Quebec
will each contribute $5,338,635, for a total of $10,677,270, while
the municipality of Saint-Roch-des-Aulnaies’s eligible
contribution will be $645,392. The municipality is also covering an
amount of $1,525,802 that is not eligible under the Communities
component of the Building Canada Fund–Quebec. The overall
project cost will therefore be $12,848,464.
The Communities Component of the Building Canada
Fund–Quebec, through equal contributions from both levels of
government, aims to fund infrastructure projects in communities
with fewer than 100,000 inhabitants. Through the funding
granted to them, these communities are thus able to improve
infrastructure in major need of revitalization, such as water
treatment plants, water supply systems, and cultural and sport
centres.
Representing an unprecedented funding commitment by the
Government of Canada, the Building Canada Fund–Quebec
provides stable, predictable funding to support infrastructure
projects. In Quebec, nearly $4 billion will be allocated to
that end.
The contribution announced today by the Government of Canada has
been granted under Canada’s Economic Action Plan.
For more details about this plan, please visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
Simon Bachand
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Denis Lebel
Canada Economic Development
Tel.: 613-996-6236
Sylvain Bourassa
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Municipal Affairs,
Regions and Land Occupancy
Tel.: 418-691-2050
Pascale Dumont-Bédard
Responsible for press relations in Bas-Saint-Laurent
Office of the MNA for Kamouraska-Témiscouata,
Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food,
Minister responsible for Canadian Intergovernmental Affairs and the
Reform of Democratic Institutions, Deputy Leader of the Government,
and Minister responsible for the Bas-Saint-Laurent Region
Tel.: 418-492-7730
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement after his bilateral meeting with President Lee Myung-bak of Korea:
“Thank you, President Lee and all our Korean hosts for your gracious hospitality to Laureen and me. We are both honoured to be here on our first visit to this country that is so full of history, some of it shared history, and of course it was a great privilege to address the National Assembly.
“Canada and Korea have excellent relations, strong historical connections, direct links between our peoples and, of course, we cooperate on many global issues.
“President Lee and I had excellent discussions on regional security, global issues and, of course, coordination of the G-20 meetings next year. I look forward to working closely with President Lee as Canada hosts our G-20 summit in Toronto on June 26th and 27th, 2010. I also look forward to returning to Korea next fall for the G-20 meeting here. We will be co-chairing those meetings.
“With the first signs of economic recovery, it is critical that these summits build on the work done in Washington, London and Pittsburgh to foster a return to sustainable growth.
“We also discussed our bilateral relationship, including economic opportunities and challenges as well as Korea’s welcome contribution to Afghanistan. Once again, thank you very much, President Lee. I look forward to seeing you very soon in Copenhagen.”
Ottawa, December 7, 2009 – The Canada Council for the Arts announced today that composer Jimmie LeBlanc is the winner of the 2009 Jules Léger Prize for New Chamber Music for the work L’Espace intérieur du monde. The work was created for 15 musicians and electronics, and premièred in March 2008 in Lyon (France) by the Nouvel Ensemble Moderne under the baton of Lorraine Vaillancourt.
This annual award is a partnership between the Canada Council, Canadian Music Centre and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation/Société Radio-Canada. The prize is designed to encourage the creation of new Canadian chamber music and to foster its performance by Canadian chamber groups. The $7,500 prize was established in 1978 by the Right Honourable Jules Léger, then Governor General of Canada.
The competition for the prize is administered by the Canadian Music Centre. The Canada Council funds the award, selects the peer assessment committee and organizes the prize presentation ceremony. Every year, the winning work is broadcast nationally by CBC Radio 2 and Espace musique, Radio-Canada’s music network. L’Espace intérieur du monde will be broadcast at a later date.
The members of the peer assessment committee for the 2009 Jules Léger Prize were violinist Parmela Attariwala (Toronto), composer Michael Oesterle (Deux-Montagnes, QC) and composer David Eagle (Calgary). The committee was a “blind jury” which evaluated the works without knowing the names of the composers.
Of L’Espace intérieur du monde, the committee said, “This is a raw and emotionally compelling work, effectively weaving electroacoustic elements and instrumental passages into musical gestures of extraordinary breadth.”
Jimmie LeBlanc was born in 1977 in Saint-Étienne-de-Lauzon, just outside Quebec City. He trained as a pop and jazz guitarist before completing his studies in classical guitar. He studied composition and analysis at the Conservatoire de musique de Montréal, and is currently preparing a doctorate at the Schulich School of Music at McGill University. Ensembles that have performed his music include Ensemble Contrechamps, Les Enfants Terribles, Quatuor Bozzini, Pentaèdre, Trio Fibonacci, Hwaum Chamber Ensemble, Kore Ensemble and the Nouvel Ensemble Moderne.
In 2006 Mr. LeBlanc co-produced Perdre Pied, an opera performance created with artist Olivia Boudreau and set on a text by Jean-Sébastien Trudel. He was a finalist in the 4th Seoul International Competition for Composers in 2007 and took part in Nouvel Ensemble Moderne’s Forum 2008 in Lyon, where he was also in residence at Grame, the national centre for musical creation. Recently he was the recipient of the Lutoslawski Award 2008. He is currently working on a composition for the Contemporary Music Ensemble at McGill University as well as on a new mixed piece for saxophonist Ida Toninato, as part of the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Music Media and Technology at McGill University for the 2009-10 Student Awards.
General information
In addition to its principal role of promoting and fostering the arts, the Canada Council for the Arts administers and awards many prizes and fellowships in the arts, humanities, social sciences, natural and health sciences, engineering, and arts management. These prizes and fellowships recognize the achievements of outstanding Canadian artists, scholars, and administrators. The Canada Council is committed to raising public awareness and celebrating these exceptional people and organizations on both a national and international level.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today visited the strategically and historically significant joint security area at Panmunjom in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) that separates North and South Korea. At the site, the Prime Minister paid tribute to the 27,000 Canadians who served in the Korean War, including the 516 Canadians who gave their lives defending South Korea’s freedom.
“More than 50 years after the armistice, the Demilitarized Zone remains a poignant reminder of Canada’s largest foreign military engagement since the Second World War,” said Prime Minister Harper. “It is a vivid reminder of the tragic division of the Korean peninsula and of the serious threat to regional and global security posed by North Korea and, in particular, its nuclear and missile programs.”
“Just as during the Korean War, Canada is firmly committed to supporting freedom, peace and stability in Northeast Asia,” added the Prime Minister. “We will continue to support all avenues to reach a peaceful resolution to this tragic legacy and bring about improvements to the lives of those suffering under the oppression of the North Korean regime.”
Canadian veterans of the Korean War return to South Korea each year in April under programs coordinated by the Korean Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs and the Korea Veterans Association of Canada.
Canada currently supports peace and security in the Korean Peninsula through the deployment of a Canadian Forces officer working in the Demilitarized Zone as part of the United Nations Command Military Armistice Commission (UNCMAC) and through an active Canadian Defence Attaché Office in Seoul. The attaché serves as Canada’s liaison to UN Command and the Canadian member of the UNCMAC Advisory Group.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today became the first Canadian Prime Minister to speak before the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea (South Korea). In his address, he emphasized Canada’s commitment to strengthening strong relations between the two countries and to working closely together on global economic recovery as Canada and South Korea each host a G-20 Summit in 2010.
“I have great confidence that 2010 is going to be the year that Canada and Korea achieve unprecedented levels of cooperation and friendship,” said the Prime Minister. “There is already a deep friendship between both countries rooted in shared experiences and our common commitment to freedom, democracy and trade.”
The Prime Minister noted that as hosts of next year’s two G-20 Summits, it is critical for Canada and South Korea to work together to focus attention on the global economy and ensure a balanced and sustainable recovery. “Environmental threats, developmental challenges and security issues facing the world will be exponentially more difficult to solve without the wealth that comes from growth.”
In his address, the Prime Minister also paid tribute to the almost 27,000 Canadian soldiers, including the 516 who paid the ultimate sacrifice, who fought alongside the people of South Korea to keep that country free. “Canadian blood was spilled on this soil,” said the Prime Minister. “Almost sixty years later, Canada and South Korea remain staunch defenders of freedom and democracy.”
South Korea is Canada’s seventh largest trading partner. Important people-to-people ties contribute enormously to the bilateral friendship. There are more than 146,000 Canadians of Korean descent calling Canada home along with 30,000 Koreans pursuing full-time studies in Canada and more than 10,000 Canadians living in South Korea.
