January 12, 1999
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)

Canada Conference '99 launched
Conference brings unique blend of Canadian opinion leaders to St. John's

Canada Conference '99, a three-day celebration of Newfoundland and Labrador's 50 years as a Canadian province, and Canada's entry into a new millennium, will be held March 29-31 in St. John's as part of the Soiree '99 celebrations of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. Details of Canada Conference '99 were released today by Premier Brian Tobin at a news conference in St. John's.

"This is not just a conference; it's a cross-section of the Nation as we move into a new millennium," said Premier Tobin. "We're bringing together Canada's business leaders, academics, politicians and artists, and inviting the public to come share their visions and hopes, their delights and disappointments. It is, in essence, a snapshot of our Nation as we celebrate a birthday. There has never been a conference quite like this one."

Premier Tobin said that more than 30 guest speakers and presenters will discuss and debate the conference themes, which include Canada's place in the 20th Century; the challenges of Canadian unity; the accomplishments of Canada and Canadians in the international arena; and Canada's place in the future. However, he emphasized that there will also be a very clear Newfoundland and Labrador flavour to the conference. An anchor event of Soiree '99, Canada Conference '99 is being organized by the Council for Canadian Unity and Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN), with support from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada Information Office (CIO), the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), and Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC).

Charles Furey, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, was also enthusiastic about the importance of the conference. "This is a conference that will mix an international appeal and a Newfoundland focus," said Mr. Furey. "We are proud to play a role in Canada Conference '99. It is an excellent opportunity for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador to welcome some of our most influential people from across Canada and abroad, and to showcase our famous culture, hospitality and character."

Senator Joan Cook brought greetings from Fred Mifflin, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Secretary of State for ACOA, and Alfonso Gagliano, Minister of Public Works and Government Services. "During the three days of the conference some of our country's great thinkers will discuss the issues that define who we are and where we are going at the turn of the millennium," said Senator Cook. "It promises to be a lively and intriguing conference and I urge people across this country to attend."

"The conference will conclude on March 31, the actual date of Newfoundland and Labrador's entry into Canada. I can think of no better time or place for us to discuss Canada's experience in the 20th century, and our goals for the 21st," said Senator Cook.

University President, Dr. Arthur May noted that 1999 will also mark another important occasion. "In 1999, Memorial celebrates its 50th anniversary as a degree-granting institution. Memorial has played a vital role in the development of Newfoundland and Labrador, and we take pride in our contributions to Canada and to our province since 1949," said Dr. May.

John C. Crosbie, Chancellor of Memorial University, and a former member of the federal cabinet, will be one of the conference's speakers. "Our conference will include an assessment and celebration of our 50 years as Canadians covering triumphs and occasional disasters, progress and perversity, the burgeoning of talents artistic, literary, cultural and even political, praise and criticism but above all celebration of our inclusion in the Canadian polity," said Mr. Crosbie.

Canada Conference '99 will celebrate the contribution of Newfoundland and Labrador artistic community - both to the cultural diversity of Canada and to the vibrancy of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Dr. Mary Pratt, a renowned Canadian artist and a speaker at Canada Conference '99, noted the important role the cultural community has played in defining Newfoundland and Labrador's place in Canada. "When I first came to Newfoundland, what I found was a society that had developed a vibrant culture for itself, not just the stereotypical fishing sheds perched on rugged cliffs," she said. "This is a culture which has survived and which brings us forward."

Canada Conference '99 is expected to attract more than 200 delegates from across Canada and abroad. Academics, artists, writers, business leaders, politicians, and private citizens are invited to participate in the discussions and debates.

For further information or to arrange interviews, please contact:

Joan Bown
Canada Conference '99, St. John's
(709) 737-3021
Toll-Free: (877) 833-3021

Gil Lamy
Council for Canadian Unity, Montreal
(514) 843-4124 or Cel: (514) 915-1829
Toll-Free: (800) 363-0963

Heidi Bonnell
Office of the Premier
(709) 729-3960

Tara Laing
Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation
(709) 729-0928

1999 01 12 5:20 p.m.