For immediate release

NEWS RELEASE

HOUSE OF COMMONS STANDING COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE TO HOLD Hearings on the Summit of the Americas and the FTAA

Ottawa, March 15, 2001 – The Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade agreed today to hold hearings on the Summit of the Americas and the FTAA.

Committee members believe that these hearings will contribute to ensuring that economic integration initiatives fulfil the shared aspirations of economic progress and social development.

The Committee is pleased that John Manley, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Pierre Pettigrew, Minister for International Trade, have agreed to appear at the first meeting in this series.

The meeting will be held on March 15 in Room 237-C, Center Block between 3:30 and 5:00 p.m.

For more information, please contact the office of the Chair, Mr. Bill Graham at 995-5234 or the Clerk of the Committee at (613) 996-1540.

(A list of Committee members is attached)

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Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade

Membership for the Committee

CHAIR

Bill Graham

VICE-CHAIRS

Colleen Beaumier

Monte Solberg

MEMBERS