Did you know...? - Edition 49

July 27, 2010

Did You Know That…  Public Safety Minister, Toews, Canada’s met with his U.S. counterpart, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, to continue a dialogue on developing a shared vision for addressing border and security issues of mutual concern that will continue to support safety, competitiveness and job creation. The safety and security of Canadians is the Government of Canada’s top priority.  During this time of economic uncertainty, it is also critical that the Canada-U.S. border remain open, strong and competitive for businesses and travelers to help stimulate our economy.  Over $2 billion dollars in trade flows across our shared border every day.  Canada and the U.S. have enjoyed a very long and proud tradition of working cooperatively to increase our joint capacity to combat national and economic security threats, without limiting trade across our shared border.  Three key initiatives were announced as a result of this first successful formal Canada-U.S. bilateral meeting of 2010.  First, The Canada-U.S. Action Plan for Critical Infrastructure, which will enable both countries to more effectively protect vital assets  and systems such as electricity grids, transportation networks, financial systems and telecommunications that are the backbone of our economy, our security, our health and our way of life. We must ensure that Canada’s vital assets and systems are protected, and continue to be there when Canadians need them.  Secondly, New U.S. Child Sexual Exploitation and Trafficking Measures. Secretary Napolitano announced that the U.S. will join a Canadian effort through the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (R.C.M.P.) to further assist the Haitian National Police to prevent child human trafficking in Haiti post earthquake; and, thirdly, New Measures to Aid Cross Border Currency Seizure. Both Canada and the U.S. will enter a Memorandum of Understanding that will assist our mutual interests in identifying money-laundering and terrorist-financing investigations and prosecutions. All Canadians win from increased cooperation, national safety and protection. This is also a win for Canadian businesses and commerce, as well as Canadian travelers and tourists to our great country.  For more information: http://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/media/nr/2010/nr20100713-eng.aspx?rss=false


Did You Know That… of National Defence, Peter MacKay along with Ministers Rona Ambrose and Tony Clement announced that the Government of Canada is investing in new Joint Strike Fighter F-35 aircraft as part of our commitment to deliver the tools our troops need to get their job done.  Every day our brave men and women in uniform work to keep Canadians safe here at home and contribute to security and stability around the world.  Your Conservative Government promised our troops the tools necessary to do the jobs asked of them and that is what we are continuing to deliver.  The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter is ─ hands down ─ the best aircraft we can provide our men and women in uniform to face the threats and challenges of the 21st century.  This plada asks our troops to go.  This purchase is an investment in the long-term future of the Canadian Forces, in the safety of our nation, and in the economies of communities across Canada which are already benefiting from the production and maintenance of these state-of-the-art fighter jets.  Your Government stands proudly with our brave men and women in uniform which is why we are once again delivering the tools they need to keep Canada safe; now and in the future. For more information: http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/news-nouvelles/news-nouvelles-eng.asp?cat=00&id=3471  or  http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/news-nouvelles/news-nouvelles-eng.asp?cat=00&id=3472

Did You Know That… of National Defence, Peter MacKay along with Ministers Rona Ambrose and Tony Clement announced that your government is taking steps to acquire two new ships to support the operations of our Canadian Navy. The announcement represents a total investment by the Government of Canada of $2.6 billion.    Under the Canada First Defence Strategy, your government is making sure the brave men and women of the Canadian Forces have the tools they need to perform their essential tasks.  Since the new ships will be built in Canada, this will mean jobs for Canadian workers, with shipyards across the country producing elements of the new fleet.  The new ships will support our sailors as they carry out the Navy's operations at home and abroad.  And they will increase the range and endurance of the Canadian Navy, permitting it to remain at sea for longer without going to shore for replenishment.    This is the first step in the process of building these ships, and that is great news for our Navy, for our Shipbuilding industry, and for Canada.   For more information: http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/news-nouvelles/news-nouvelles-eng.asp?cat=00&id=3464

Did You Know That… From the AIDS 2010 Conference in Vienna, Austria, Minister of Health, Leona Aglukkaq Canada is leading the global fight against HIV/AIDS through the renewed Canadian HIV Vaccine Initiative (CHVI) Research and Development Alliance.  Canada is a world leader in HIV and vaccine research and development and today, we are continuing to drive that leadership forward.  your Government is joining with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to reaffirm our commitment to the global fight against HIV and AIDS through the establishment of the CHVI Research and Development Alliance.  This Alliance will bring together industry, researchers, scientists and international organizations to ensure a stronger, more coordinated effort in the global fight against HIV and AIDS.  In conjunction with the development of the Alliance, the Government of Canada is also investing in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, primarily in Africa.  This effort will help prevent the spread of HIV while a vaccine is in development.  Through this important investment and Alliance, our Government is ensuring that Canada continues to lead the way in the global fight against HIV and AIDS.  For more information on the conference: http://www.aids2010.org/

Did You Know That… Minister of National Defence, Peter MacKay, announced that Canada will donate supplies from the recent Canadian Forces mission in Haiti to the people of that country for ongoing humanitarian aid and reconstruction work.  After the devastating earthquake six months ago, your government moved quickly to provide immediate disaster relief in Haiti and we are now supporting long-term rebuilding efforts.  The supplies we are donating – including medical equipment, food, water, and construction materials – will help with the ongoing relief efforts and long-term reconstruction work in Haiti.  All Canadians can be proud of the work done by the 2,000 men and women of the Canadian Forces who arrived in Haiti within hours of the earthquake, helping people when they needed it most.  In the aftermath of the earthquake, Canadian Forces personnel provided nearly 1.5 million meals, 2.6 million litres of drinkable water and medical care for more than 22,000 Haitians.  Canada’s leadership on the world stage will help to redress the devastation of the earthquake, and set into motion a vision of hope and future prosperity for Haiti.  For more information: http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/news-nouvelles/news-nouvelles-eng.asp?cat=00&id=3470