Minister Cannon Highlights Canadian Leadership on Arctic Issues at Arctic Council Meeting in Norway and Announces

OTTAWA, ONTARIO, Apr 29 (MARKET WIRE) --
The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today
successfully concluded his participation in the Sixth Arctic Council
Foreign Ministerial Meeting, held in Tromso, Norway. The Honourable Floyd
Roland, Premier of the Northwest Territories, the Honourable Eva Aariak,
Premier of Nunavut, and the Honourable Elaine Taylor, Deputy Premier of
the Yukon, were also part of the Canadian Delegation.

During the meeting, Minister Cannon discussed Canada's interests in the
region and outlined his agenda as the Council addresses significant
challenges and opportunities in the future. "Canada led in the creation
of the Council and we are proud of our continuing leadership role," said
Minister Cannon.

"Canada is an Arctic nation and an Arctic power. I had the opportunity to
reiterate to my Arctic colleagues that the Arctic and the North is
central to our national identity. It is an important part of our past,
our present and our future," said Minister Cannon.

"Through our robust Arctic foreign policy we are affirming our
leadership, stewardship and ownership in the region." As part of Canada's
Arctic Foreign policy, Minister Cannon announced that Canada will be
opening a dedicated Canadian International Centre for the Arctic region
in Oslo, Norway. This further demonstrates that the Government of Canada
is committed and serious about taking a leadership role on Arctic issues.
The Centre will enhance Canada's ability to promote Canadian interests,
influence key partners and better understand emerging issues.

Minister Cannon took the opportunity to meet with foreign ministers from
the Russian Federation, Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Italy. He also met
with France's Polar Ambassador, former Prime Minister Michel Rocard.

Major deliverables at the Norway Ministerial included the Arctic Marine
Shipping Assessment and the Arctic Oil and Gas Assessment. Canada played
a leading role in both assessments. The Marine Shipping Assessment
informs and complements Canada's actions to protect the Arctic
environment and its peoples and to enhance Arctic marine safety. The Oil
and Gas Assessment will help Canada best manage the environmental,
social, economic and human health impacts of current and future oil and
gas activities in the Arctic.

The Sixth Arctic Council Foreign Ministerial Meeting marked the
conclusion of the Norwegian chairmanship. Canada congratulates the
Kingdom of Norway for its leadership in chairing the Arctic Council for
the past two and a half years. Denmark has now taken over the
chairmanship for a period of two years. Canada will assume the
chairmanship in 2013 and is committed to ensuring that the international
spotlight stays focused on the challenges and opportunities facing the
Arctic.

Contacts:
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
Natalie Sarafian
Press Secretary
613-995-1851

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
613-995-1874
www.international.gc.ca/index.aspx

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