Event Summary:
 

The Honourable Pierre Pettigrew Minister of Foreign Affairs
Addressing Canada's International Challenges
"Coherence and Commitment: Implementing the New International Policy Statement"
 
Wednesday, October 12th, 2005
King Edward Hotel
 
Summary by: Jelena Madunic, Student at the University of Toronto
In his address, Foreign Minister Pierre Pettigrew emphasized the importance of maintaining a unified vision for Canada's global engagement, a vision that is articulated in the government's recent International Policy Statement (IPS). The IPS is indicative of Canada's commitment to increase its foreign presence, bolster its national defence, build stronger trade relations and double its foreign aid. Minister Pettigrew discussed the IPS as a dynamic policy, rather than a stagnant statement, which will be reviewed annually.
 
Minister Pettigrew placed an emphasis on the importance of Canada's continued presence as a peace-building state at the UN, and cited Canada's key role in promoting the "Responsibility to Protect" (R2P) principle.
 
Minister Pettigrew's speech was followed by a lively question and answer period. In the question and answer period, the Minister emphasized his commitment to culture and the promotion of Canadian cultural interests internationally, and he reiterated his commitment to Mexico as a key partner to Canada.
 
View Minister Pettigrew's speech: Speech.
View an article in the globe and mail about Minister Pettigrew: Article.
View the event flyer: Flyer.
 
 
Event Photos:
 

Members of the CIIA prepare for the Minister’s arrival	Students at the University of Toronto G8 Research Group enjoy the Pierre Pettigrew event. From left to right: Lindsay Doyle, Jelena Madunic, Stan Orlov, Jesse Ronan
The Canada Unity Council’s table at the Pettigrew lunch.	University of Toronto student Stan Orlov asks the Minister a question. To his left is Jelena Madunic, and to his right is Jesse Ronan.
CIIA Members at the Pierre Pettigrew luncheon.
Keith Martin, President of the CIIA Toronto Branch, introduces Minister Pierre Pettigrew
Minister Pierre Pettigrew makes comments to the CIIA Toronto Branch
Recent University of Toronto graduate and Director of the G8 Research Group Lida Preyma thanks Pierre Pettigrew.	Keith Martin and Pierre Pettigrew following the Minister’s speech
University of Toronto students, affiliated with the G8 Research Group, pose with Minister Pettigrew. From left to right: Lida Preyma, Amandine Scherrer, Laura Sunderland, Minister Pettigrew, Jelena Madunic, Susan Khazaeli, Jesse Ronan, and Stan Orlov.

Event Video: