Minister of Finance participating in Forum of Federations

Lloyd Matthews, Minister of Finance, will participate in the Forum of Federations in Ottawa today and tomorrow as part of the state visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Canada. Minister Matthews will represent the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and participate as the chair of a session on fiscal federalism.

"I am very much looking forward to this forum to discuss matters related to federal governance, particularly as it applies to fiscal policy and planning," said Minister Matthews. "This forum will provide an opportunity for international officials to collaborate on a number of issues of international significance, such as intergovernmental relations, the role of various jurisdictional groups in the global economy and northern partnerships."

The Forum of Federations will bring together Russian and Canadian officials and experts, along with senior World Bank and OECD representatives. Delegates from Brazil, India and Nigeria will also participate in the two-day forum to contribute to the multi-cultural aspects of the forum. Delegates will have the opportunity to exchange information on best practices in governments, and work towards a better understanding of federal governance.

"While delegates will discuss a number of key issues, I am particularly pleased that I will participate as chair for the session on fiscal federalism. In my role as finance minister, I am aware of some of the challenges facing various jurisdictions in terms of fiscal policy. I am confident that this forum will contribute to a stronger understanding of both the challenges and successes in other areas of the world."

Before the forum concludes, delegates will discuss ways in which various jurisdictions may collaborate in the future. Delegates of the forum include such Canadian officials as Stephane Dion, federal Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Roy Romanow, Premier of Saskatchewan and Peter Daniel, Vice-president of the Canadian International Development Agency. Russian officials include the Head of the Department of Regional Development, the First Deputy Minister of Federal Affairs, Nationalities and Migration Policy, and a deputy director with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Media contact: Lynn Barter, Communications: (709) 729-0329.

2000 12 15               9:20 a.m.