http://international.gc.ca/missions/eu-ue/menu-eng.asp A digest of Canadian government announcements that are relevant for Europeans en-ca COPYRIGHT Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:00:00 GMT Thu, 15 Apr 2004 08:00:00 GMT International Canada-EU 60 http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/belgium-belgique/assets/images/rss-icon.gif http://international.gc.ca/missions/eu-ue/menu-eng.asp 36 14 Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement: "Today's failure by the UN Security Council to effectively deal with the crisis in Syria is yet another free pass for the illegitimate Assad regime and those backing it; Canada is disappointed in the extreme..." both Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:45:00 GMT Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, today met with business leaders from a variety of sectors of the Canadian economy for a pre-budget consultation and to discuss the benefits to businesses and workers of a Canada-EU trade agreement. both Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:45:00 GMT Increased air, water, land and biodiversity monitoring in the oil sands will begin this year as the Government of Canada and Government of Alberta take a major step forward in their partnership to improve environmental monitoring in the oil sands region. both Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:45:00 GMT Prime Minister Stephen Harper today met with Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health and Minister for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Pujjuut Kusugak, Mayor of Rankin Inlet, on Parliament Hill to show support for Canada's sealing industry and promote it as a producer of healthy, safe and sustainable natural resource products. both Thu, 02 Feb 2012 06:00:00 GMT The Government of Canada is planning to expand and standardize its visa application centre (VAC) network into a new global model, Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney announced today. eu Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:30:00 GMT Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement: "Canada continues to be increasingly concerned by the actions of the Iranian authorities. Effective immediately, Canada is expanding existing sanctions against Iran..." both Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:45:00 GMT Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement: "Canada is deeply concerned about reports that Iranian citizen Saeed Malekpour's death sentence has been confirmed by the Iranian authorities. both Mon, 30 Jan 2012 01:00:00 GMT Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement on recent developments in Egypt: "Canada welcomes the long-awaited announcement of the release of Egyptian blogger Maikel Nabil. Statements such as the ones he posted online last year are part of everyday discourse in functioning democracies..." both Thu, 26 Jan 2012 02:00:00 GMT Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today announced new sanctions against Syria's Assad regime in concert with like-minded countries. both Wed, 25 Jan 2012 20:00:00 GMT Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement: "We welcome the Arab League's report and proposal to have Assad move aside, paving the way for free elections; it is all the more important given the inability, to this point, of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to address the crisis in Syria..." both Mon, 23 Jan 2012 23:00:00 GMT Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement on terrorist attacks in Kano, Nigeria, that left scores of people dead or injured, and for which radical terrorist group Boko Haram has reportedly claimed responsibility. both Sat, 21 Jan 2012 18:00:00 GMT "We are obviously disappointed with today's announcement regarding the Keystone XL pipeline. This project would create thousands upon thousands of jobs both in the US and Canada and would contribute to energy security in the US. We continue to believe this project is in the best interests of both countries..." both Wed, 18 Jan 2012 22:30:00 GMT Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement on the release of Burmese political prisoners. both Sat, 14 Jan 2012 04:00:00 GMT Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement on the latest violent attacks in Nigeria. both Sat, 07 Jan 2012 01:30:00 GMT "Canada strongly condemns the cowardly attacks in Nasiriya, which killed numerous Shia pilgrims, and the recent bombings in Baghdad..." both Fri, 06 Jan 2012 14:00:00 GMT Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement concerning reports that Israeli and Palestinian negotiators will meet for the first time in more than a year this week in Jordan. both Mon, 02 Jan 2012 03:30:00 GMT Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement regarding recent reports from Egypt. both Fri, 30 Dec 2011 22:00:00 GMT Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement after reports that the Syrian military killed dozens more people in Homs - in advance of the arrival of Arab League observers. both Mon, 26 Dec 2011 21:30:00 GMT Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement: "I was deeply troubled to learn that the Kyiv Court of Appeals has upheld the conviction and sentence of former Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko..." both Fri, 23 Dec 2011 23:30:00 GMT Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today announced new sanctions on Syria's Assad regime in response to its ongoing and escalating repression of Syrians. both Fri, 23 Dec 2011 15:30:00 GMT Minister of Finance Jim Flaherty today welcomed the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) annual review of Canada's economic developments and policies, which strongly endorses the Government's commitment to return to balanced budgets over the medium term. The IMF report also confirms that Canada's financial sector is solid, thanks to effective supervision and regulation. The report notes that Canada is advancing well on international financial market reforms, stating that Canadian banks are well-placed to meet the Basel III capital requirements "early in the transition period." both Thu, 22 Dec 2011 21:30:00 GMT Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, today issued the following statement on the Customs Union of Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia's proposed trade restrictions on seal products. both Thu, 22 Dec 2011 19:00:00 GMT The Assad regime continues to indiscriminately slaughter Syrian civilians-even as international observers prepare to arrive in Syria. This desperate and increasingly isolated regime has no credibility; Assad and his backers must step down immediately. both Thu, 22 Dec 2011 18:00:00 GMT Canada strongly condemns these cowardly attacks in Baghdad. both Thu, 22 Dec 2011 17:00:00 GMT We are proud that this Canadian-led resolution has garnered more support than ever before at the United Nations. both Mon, 19 Dec 2011 23:30:00 GMT Canadian Environment Minister Kent made the following statement in the House of Commons after his return from Durban both Mon, 12 Dec 2011 21:30:00 GMT Canada Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued a statement in which he declared that "Canada is deeply concerned by reports indicating that Syrian security forces are encircling the city of Homs. Such actions are unacceptable and must stop immediately." both Fri, 09 Dec 2011 23:00:00 GMT Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today a statement on the elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo. "The Government of Canada continues to closely follow the electoral process in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Canada is extremely concerned about reports of irregularities in the election process." both Fri, 09 Dec 2011 22:50:00 GMT As Canada's combat mission in Afghanistan is complete, the Government of Canada today announced the signing of a detainee-transfer arrangement with the US Government to facilitate the transfer of detainees captured by the Canadian Forces in Afghanistan to the custody of U.S. Forces at the Detention Facility in Parwan, Afghanistan. both Fri, 09 Dec 2011 12:00:00 GMT Minister of International Trade Ed Fast will travel to Europe, where he will meet with political and business leaders to discuss Canada and the European Union's shared commitment to an ambitious trade agreement. both Thu, 08 Dec 2011 21:30:00 GMT Canada's Environment Minister, Peter Kent, today announced new supports so developing countries can be part of the next phase of global solutions to counter climate change. both Tue, 06 Dec 2011 21:30:00 GMT "Canada strongly condemns the attacks today in Kabul and Mazar-i-Sharif that killed or wounded numerous Shia worshipers on the Day of Ashura. There can be no justification for these cowardly acts of religious extremism, which targeted innocent men, women and children simply practising their faith in peace." both Tue, 06 Dec 2011 19:30:00 GMT Let me begin by thanking our German hosts. As with many of the countries represented here today 10 years after the fall of the Taliban, Canada continues to demonstrate its commitment to Afghanistan. We are not fair-weather friends and will continue to support the women, children and men of Afghanistan. both Mon, 05 Dec 2011 21:00:00 GMT Today, Environment Minister Peter Kent announced that the Government of Canada is contributing $1.2 billion to support international efforts to help developing countries reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of a changing climate. both Mon, 05 Dec 2011 18:00:00 GMT Minister Fast thanks advisory board for its report on how small and medium-sized businesses can take advantage of a trade agreement with the EU. both Tue, 29 Nov 2011 01:00:00 GMT Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement: "Canada is outraged by the storming of the U.K. embassy in Tehran by protestors earlier today..." both Tue, 29 Nov 2011 23:50:00 GMT Environment Minister Peter Kent and Veterans Affairs Minister Steven Blaney today announced an investment of $600.8 million over five years to renew the Clean Air Regulatory Agenda, (CARA), which has served as the framework for the Government to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality since 2006. both Mon, 28 Nov 2011 20:00:00 GMT Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, today reaffirmed Canada's commitment to concluding an ambitious trade agreement with the European Union in an address in Vancouver to the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Canada-West. both Mon, 28 Nov 2011 18:30:00 GMT Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement. both Mon, 28 Nov 2011 02:30:00 GMT Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today condemned the conviction by Belarus of Ales Byalyatski, a long-time human rights defender and head of the human rights organization Vyasna. both Fri, 25 Nov 2011 16:30:00 GMT Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement: “Canada welcomes the agreement signed by President Ali Abdullah Saleh of Yemen. His agreement to step down from power in 30 days prepares the way for Yemen's transition to a more open society—one that respects freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law. both Wed, 23 Nov 2011 23:30:00 GMT Peter MacKay Minister of National Defence, today tabled the Government of Canada's thirteenth quarterly report on Canada's engagement in Afghanistan. both Wed, 23 Nov 2011 21:00:00 GMT Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued a statement announcing additional sanctions against Iran. both Mon, 21 Nov 2011 22:30:00 GMT Today, Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation, announced 25 new initiatives to further Canada's support to Africa. "Canada is proud to invest in Africa's future. These projects announced today reinforce our government's commitment to focused, accountable aid for Africa that delivers results and hope for Africa's poor and vulnerable," said Minister Oda. both Mon, 21 Nov 2011 15:30:00 GMT Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today made the following statement: "Canada welcomes today's Arab League confirmation formally suspending Syria's membership. This is an important signal from Syria's neighbours that the egregious behaviour of the Assad regime will not be tolerated." both Thu, 17 Nov 2011 00:30:00 GMT Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement: "Canada today made a strong statement with nine votes at the United Nations. Our explanation of vote speaks for itself." both Thu, 10 Nov 2011 17:30:00 GMT Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today released the following statement condemning the ongoing violence in Syria: "...Canada reiterates its strong condemnation of these violent attacks. The Assad regime has lost all legitimacy. We again call on President Assad and those backing him to relinquish power and step down immediately..." both Thu, 03 Nov 2011 21:30:00 GMT Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced that he will participate in the G-20 Summit in Cannes, France, from November 3 to 4. "The global economic situation is very fragile," said Prime Minister Harper. "It is imperative that the G-20 shows leadership in moving ahead on critical reforms. Financial markets as well as the public will be looking for a concrete and ambitious action plan coming out of Cannes." both Wed, 02 Nov 2011 16:00:00 GMT Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement regarding yesterday's vote by UNESCO members approving the Palestinian request for membership: "Canada deeply regrets this decision. Unilateral Palestinian efforts to seek member- or observer-state status in the UN, UNESCO and other international organizations without a negotiated peace agreement with Israel are ultimately unhelpful. We are currently reviewing our options in response to this unilateral action." both Tue, 01 Nov 2011 16:00:00 GMT Minister of Finance Jim Flaherty today welcomed the International Monetary Fund's annual review of Canada and their support for the Government's plan to return to balanced budgets in the medium term. both Mon, 31 Oct 2011 16:00:00 GMT Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement on the close of the NATO-led Libyan mission: "With the Libyan people having freed themselves from the Gaddafi regime, Canada's military mission in Libya is complete and Canadians can be proud of the job well done by our troops.." both Fri, 28 Oct 2011 16:00:00 GMT Joe Oliver, Minister of Natural Resources, speaking at the second Canadian Clean Energy Summit in Ottawa, today outlined the strategic role of the Government of Canada in advancing clean technology in Canada. The Government of Canada continues to support research and development and clean technology demonstration across Canada. both Thu, 27 Oct 2011 05:00:00 GMT Ted Menzies, Minister of State (Finance), today reiterated the Harper Government's call for strong, united and decisive leadership, particularly from Europe and the Group of Twenty (G-20) countries, to deliver immediate and credible strategies for strengthening the global recovery. both Tue, 25 Oct 2011 17:00:00 GMT Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement on the declaration of liberation by Libya's National Transitional Council. "Today, Canadians join with the Libyan people in celebrating the liberation of their country... Canada will continue to work with transitional leaders as the new Libya takes shape." both Mon, 24 Oct 2011 17:00:00 GMT Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, today announced that a productive ninth round of talks toward a trade agreement between Canada and the European Union will wrap up tomorrow in Ottawa. "I am pleased to report that another milestone has been reached in Canada-EU trade negotiations, with Canadian and EU officials exchanging offers on services and investment," said Minister Fast. "Once final, this agreement will protect and strengthen the long-term financial security of hard-working Canadians." both Thu, 20 Oct 2011 21:00:00 GMT Joe Oliver, Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, today delivered an address to the London School of Economics. He focused on the role Canada can play in global energy security and economic stability. both Thu, 20 Oct 2011 16:00:00 GMT Prime Minister Stephen Harper made the following remarks on the death of Muammar Gaddafi: "...With the shadow of Gaddafi now lifted from their land, it is our hope that the Libyan people will find peace and reconciliation after this dark period in the life of their nation and we look forward to working with them." both Thu, 20 Oct 2011 15:00:00 GMT Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, today announced the start of a ninth round of negotiations toward a comprehensive economic and trade agreement with the European Union. This latest round of talks is scheduled to continue until Friday, October 21, 2011, in Ottawa. both Mon, 17 Oct 2011 23:00:00 GMT Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, today called on European leaders and the Group of Twenty (G-20) to act quickly, with strong, united and decisive leadership, to effectively address current economic and fiscal challenges. both Mon, 17 Oct 2011 15:00:00 GMT We, the G-20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors, met at a time of heightened tensions and significant downside risks for the global economy that need to be addressed decisively to restore confidence, financial stability and growth. both Sat, 15 Oct 2011 16:00:00 GMT The Mission of Canada to the EU is currently seeking 1 trade/economic intern, 1 agriculture/environment/fisheries intern and 1 political affairs intern from Janaury 2012 for up to 3 months. Deadline: 13 November. eu Fri, 14 Oct 2011 14:00:00 GMT Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement in response to the announced prisoner amnesty and the release of a number of political prisoners, in Burma. both Thu, 13 Oct 2011 23:30:00 GMT Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, will meet with the Group of Twenty (G-20) Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors in Paris this weekend to discuss actions being taken to address global economic uncertainty. both Thu, 13 Oct 2011 21:30:00 GMT Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement in response to the conviction in Ukraine of Yulia Tymoshenko, former prime minister and currently an opposition leader, on charges of abuse of power. both Wed, 12 Oct 2011 00:30:00 GMT Statement by Minister Baird on Situation in Egypt: "I am very concerned about the violence in Egypt over this weekend… Canada urges all involved to work together to build a society where religious communities can live and prosper together and build a new Egypt…" both Tue, 11 Oct 2011 15:00:00 GMT Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, today called on governments in both advanced and emerging economies to work together to strengthen market confidence and forge the policies needed to promote and sustain the global recovery. both Wed, 05 Oct 2011 23:00:00 GMT Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird issued the following statement condemning today's deadly truck bombing in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu. both Tue, 04 Oct 2011 23:00:00 GMT Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird issued this statement following a deliberately set fire at a mosque in Tuba Zangaria, Israel. both Tue, 04 Oct 2011 23:00:00 GMT Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today announced new sanctions on Syria's Assad regime in response to its ongoing and escalating repression of Syrian civilians. The measures announced today further expand Canada's targeted sanctions against the Syrian regime and those that provide it with support. both Tue, 04 Oct 2011 22:30:00 GMT Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, today signed the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA), an international agreement aimed at combatting the spread of trade in counterfeit and pirated goods. both Sat, 01 Oct 2011 06:00:00 GMT Canada is proud to sign this important agreement today. I'd like to congratulate our Japanese hosts not only for bringing us together for this event, but for pioneering this initiative in 2006. Since then, Japan and its 37 negotiating partners, including Canada, have worked diligently to negotiate the agreement we're signing today. Canada understands very clearly the negative impact that increased trade in counterfeit and pirated goods has on economic growth and the health and well-being of our citizens. both Sat, 01 Oct 2011 05:00:00 GMT Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today expressed concern over reports that Iran may soon execute an Iranian Christian, Youcef Nadarkhani, for apostasy. both Thu, 29 Sep 2011 05:00:00 GMT Members of Parliament have voted overwhelmingly in favour of continuing Canada's leadership role in protecting Libyan civilians and helping Libya transition to the post-Qadhafi era. both Mon, 26 Sep 2011 03:00:00 GMT Nearly sixty-six years ago, in 1946, one of my predecessors was privileged to represent Canada at the First Session of the United Nations General Assembly. It is an honour to follow in those footsteps, and to renew Canada's commitment to the Founding Principles of the United Nations. both Mon, 26 Sep 2011 02:00:00 GMT Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement regarding the return of President Ali Abdullah Saleh to Yemen. both Fri, 23 Sep 2011 23:00:00 GMT Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement: "Canada commends the progress Tunisia has made in fulfilling its commitment to holding democratic elections.‪ We appreciate the importance of these elections to the Tunisian people and the struggle that has led to them. both Thu, 22 Sep 2011 22:30:00 GMT Canada today endorsed a United Nations declaration as part of a global commitment to galvanize action against the growing threat of chronic diseases to world health and to national economies. both Tue, 20 Sep 2011 15:00:00 GMT "The economy remains our number one priority," said Minister Fast. "The benefits of a Canada-EU trade agreement are expected to be enormous: a 20-percent boost in two-way trade; a $12-billion-annual boost to Canada's economy; and preferential market access for Canadian businesses to the world's largest single common market, foreign investor and trader." both Wed, 14 Sep 2011 21:30:00 GMT Statement by Minister Baird updating Canada's involvement in Libya both Tue, 13 Sep 2011 14:30:00 GMT Minister of Finance highlights Canada's economic competitiveness both Wed, 07 Sep 2011 02:00:00 GMT both Wed, 31 Aug 2011 02:00:00 GMT both Wed, 24 Aug 2011 23:00:00 GMT Minister of Finance Jim Flaherty today told the Canadian House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance that Canada is well positioned to face global economic challenges despite renewed uncertainty generated by concerns about the U.S. economic and fiscal situation and the continuing debt problems in Europe. "Canada is the only G-7 country to have regained all the output and jobs lost in the global recession. Canada's net debt burden is markedly lower than that in most other major industrialized countries, and our fiscal fundamentals are sound and sustainable over the long term," Minister Flaherty said. both Fri, 19 Aug 2011 02:00:00 GMT both Thu, 18 Aug 2011 02:00:00 GMT Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation, today announced further details of Canada's support to the more than 12 million people in East Africa affected by the worst drought and famine in more than a generation. both Wed, 17 Aug 2011 22:00:00 GMT both Tue, 16 Aug 2011 23:00:00 GMT John Baird, Canada's Foreign Affairs Minister, today issued a statement regarding expanded sanctions against North Korea: "I am pleased to announce that a number of tough new sanctions are now in effect against North Korea. They are the latest in a series of steps our government has taken in recent years to forcefully declare Canada's opposition to aggressive actions by the current North Korean regime." both Tue, 16 Aug 2011 15:39:00 GMT both Sat, 13 Aug 2011 21:00:00 GMT The Government of Canada today announced that an aviation safety agreement with the European Union came into force on July 26, 2011. The Government of Canada has been working closely with its European counterpart to ratify the Agreement on Civil Aviation Safety. The agreement will make reciprocal acceptance of aeronautical products and services easier, reducing costs for Canadian companies and increasing competitiveness. both Thu, 11 Aug 2011 14:30:00 GMT both Tue, 09 Aug 2011 03:40:00 GMT both Mon, 08 Aug 2011 14:00:00 GMT eu Sat, 06 Aug 2011 07:00:00 GMT both Thu, 04 Aug 2011 05:15:00 GMT both Mon, 25 Jul 2011 19:00:00 GMT both Sun, 24 Jul 2011 19:00:00 GMT both Fri, 22 Jul 2011 20:00:00 GMT both Fri, 22 Jul 2011 14:00:00 GMT both Fri, 22 Jul 2011 13:00:00 GMT Minister Fast marked the eighth round of Canada-European Union trade negotiations taking place this week in Brussels, Belgium, by highlighting the progress made to date. both Fri, 15 Jul 2011 14:00:00 GMT The Canada-European Union Organic Equivalency Arrangement is the outcome of an extensive analysis of the Canadian and EU organic production and certification systems. The arrangement will allow the import and export of certified organic products between Canada and the EU without the need for additional certification. both Wed, 13 Jul 2011 07:00:00 GMT John Baird, Canada's Foreign Affairs Minister, today issued the following statement regarding the independence of South Sudan. both Sat, 09 Jul 2011 14:40:00 GMT John Baird, Canada's Foreign Affairs Minister, today issued the following statement in response to the recent violent arrests of peaceful demonstrators and journalists at Independence Day celebrations throughout Belarus. both Fri, 08 Jul 2011 23:00:00 GMT John Baird, Canada's Foreign Affairs Minister, today announced that Canada, together with the United Kingdom and the United States, is increasing restrictions on the Iranian authorities to hold them accountable for their international human rights obligations. both Fri, 08 Jul 2011 17:00:00 GMT Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, today welcomed recent findings of a World Trade Organization panel report on China's export restrictions on certain raw materials. Canada participated as a third party in a WTO panel established at the request of the United States, the European Union and Mexico in December 2009. both Thu, 07 Jul 2011 23:00:00 GMT both Tue, 28 Jun 2011 20:00:00 GMT both Mon, 27 Jun 2011 20:00:00 GMT both Mon, 20 Jun 2011 10:00:00 GMT both Mon, 20 Jun 2011 09:00:00 GMT Canada's Minister of Public Safety Vic Toews and Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, today re-introduced legislation to prevent human smugglers from abusing Canada's immigration system. both Thu, 16 Jun 2011 09:00:00 GMT John Baird, Foreign Affairs Minister, today issued the following statement regarding the escalating violence in the state of South Kordofan, Sudan. both Thu, 16 Jun 2011 01:00:00 GMT John Baird, Canada's Foreign Affairs Minister, today instructed the Canadian delegation to the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland, to lead the way in condemning the current Syrian regime's attacks on its own people. Canada delivered this condemnation on behalf of 54 countries from various regions. both Fri, 17 Jun 2011 02:00:00 GMT John Baird, Canada's Foreign Affairs Minister, today released the Government of Canada's 11th and 12th quarterly reports on Canada's engagement in Afghanistan. The reports cover the period from October 1 to December 31, 2010, and January 1 to March 31, 2011 respectively. These reports outline the progress achieved on Canada's six priorities and three signature projects in Afghanistan. The theme of the 11th report is governance, and the theme of the 12th is Afghan leadership. both Wed, 15 Jun 2011 23:00:00 GMT John Baird, Canada's Foreign Affairs Minister, Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, and Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation, today issued the following joint statement on the extension of Canada's engagement in Libya. both Wed, 15 Jun 2011 02:00:00 GMT both Tue, 14 Jun 2011 22:00:00 GMT Julian Fantino, Associate Minister of National Defence, today issued the following statement after attending the third meeting of the Contact Group on Libya. Associate Minister Fantino attended the meeting on behalf of John Baird, Canada's Foreign Affairs Minister. The Contact Group is an organization of like-minded nations that is helping to provide leadership and coordinate international efforts with regard to the future of Libya. both Fri, 10 Jun 2011 02:00:00 GMT John Baird, Canada's Foreign Affairs Minister, today issued the following statement. both Thu, 09 Jun 2011 23:00:00 GMT Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, participated in a meeting of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Defence Ministers on June 8 and 9, in Brussels, Belgium. While the meeting covered a range of issues, the discussion's main focus was NATO's mission in support of the international community's objectives in Libya. both Thu, 09 Jun 2011 20:00:00 GMT Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, today reintroduced Budget 2011, the Next Phase of Canada's Economic Action Plan—A Low-Tax Plan for Jobs and Growth. "Implementing the Next Phase of Canada's Economic Action Plan will preserve Canada's advantage in the global economy; strengthen the financial security of Canadian workers, seniors and families; and provide the stability necessary to secure our recovery in an uncertain world," said Minister Flaherty. both Tue, 07 Jun 2011 02:00:00 GMT Today, His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, delivered the Speech from the Throne to open the 1st session of the 41st Parliament and outlined the Government's agenda. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, the Government will deliver on its commitments and be there for all Canadians – for individuals, for families and for all regions of the country – working together to move Canada forward. both Fri, 03 Jun 2011 07:00:00 GMT Prime Minister Stephen Harper today confirmed that up to 950 military Canadian Armed Forces trainers and support personnel will be deployed to Afghanistan to take part in Operation ATTENTION, the Canadian component of the NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan. both Mon, 30 May 2011 07:00:00 GMT The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development forecasts sustained, strong growth for Canada in 2011 and 2012. Canada scores at or near the top in every sector considered by OECD in its Your Better Life Index. both Mon, 30 May 2011 02:00:00 GMT John Baird, Canada's Foreign Affairs Minister, today issued the following statement urging the President of Yemen, Ali Abdullah Saleh, to follow through on his previous commitment to leave power. both Fri, 27 May 2011 01:30:00 GMT both Thu, 26 May 2011 18:30:00 GMT both Thu, 26 May 2011 16:30:00 GMT I have just left the first meeting of the Cabinet's National Security Committee, which is chaired by Prime Minister Stephen Harper. I briefed members of the committee on the situation in Syria. And I am here now to announce that Canada will, effective immediately, impose economic sanctions on members of the current Syrian regime under the Special Economic Measures Act. both Wed, 25 May 2011 21:30:00 GMT Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced that targeted sanctions would be imposed against members of the current Syrian regime. This action is in response to the on-going and violent crackdown by the military and security forces against Syrian civilians who are peacefully protesting for democracy and the respect of human rights. both Tue, 24 May 2011 07:00:00 GMT John Baird, Canada's Foreign Affairs Minister, issued the following statement on the deteriorating situation in the Sudanese region of Abyei. both Mon, 23 May 2011 07:30:00 GMT Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced the appointment of a new federal Ministry that will lead the way in keeping Canada moving toward greater security and stability. John Baird is the new Minister of Foreign Affairs and Edward Fast is the new Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway. both Wed, 18 May 2011 22:00:00 GMT The Government of Canada today issued the following statement on the International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor's request for arrest warrants for Muammar Qadhafi, his son Saif il-Islam Qadhafi and his brother-in-law Abdullah Senussi for crimes against humanity. both Mon, 16 May 2011 23:00:00 GMT The Government of Canada today issued the following statement in response to Belarus's sentencing of five opposition activists, in particular former presidential candidate Andrei Sannikov, who is to serve five years in a high-security penal colony on the charge of organizing mass disorder after the country's flawed December 19, 2010, presidential election. both Mon, 16 May 2011 23:00:00 GMT Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, today marked the closing of the seventh Arctic Council Ministerial Meeting in Nuuk, Greenland, where a multilateral search and rescue agreement was signed. both Thu, 12 May 2011 22:00:00 GMT Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, will travel to Nuuk, Greenland, on May 11 and 12, 2011, to lead the Canadian delegation at the Arctic Council Ministerial Meeting. both Tue, 10 May 2011 16:00:00 GMT President Barroso and President van Rompuy have sent the following message to Stephen Harper to congratulate him on his election victory and reappointment as Prime Minister of Canada. eu Tue, 10 May 2011 15:30:00 GMT