Briefing on day 1 of the G-8 summit in Deauville, France

-- The purpose of this meeting is to provide a quick update before we head into the G8 Summit starting shortly.

-- The leaders have a full set of issues to discuss at the Deauville Summit

-- The G-8 starts with discussion on the state of the global economy, including the impact of recent events in the Middle East, Japan and Europe.

-- The G-8 has demonstrated its strong solidarity with Japan in responding to the crises, and Canada has worked with the Japanese government to provide relief supplies and expertise. 

-- On the global economy, leaders will discuss the recovery now underway and some of the issues that still need to be addressed to ensure sustained growth into the future.

One of these issues is fiscal consolidation, which was a prominent theme in Toronto.

Leaders will also discuss the future of the Doha round of trade negotiations.

-- Further to this, the PM also had a bilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan this morning to discuss a variety of issues, as well as to express our continued support and sympathy for Japan following the March 11 triple disasters.

-- In the afternoon, leaders will review the results of a conference that took place in Kiev on April 19 to complete Chernobyl remediation efforts.

-- I should have more for you on this matter later this afternoon.  Leaders will also discuss extension of the Global Partnership program against weapons of mass destruction.

-- Following that there is a working session on the role of the Internet as a driver for the world economy and for promoting democracy.
Participants in an E-G8 forum, hosted by France just before the summit, will discuss with leaders the outcomes of this event. The Prime Minister will stress the role of the internet as an enabler of democracy and as a driver of economic growth.

-- The Prime Minister will then discuss key issues with President Obama and review progress on the Canada and United States Shared Vision for Perimeter Security and Economic Competitiveness. 

-- As well, bilaterals are being scheduled with President of European Council Herman Van Rompuy and the President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso, and the United Kingdom Prime Minister David Cameron.

-- This evening there will be a reception and working dinner focusing on developments in the Middle East and North Africa region.  An historic transformation is underway in this region and G-8 leaders will be exploring ways to support democratic reform and economic modernization in   the Middle East and North Africa.  The Prime Minister will also emphasize the importance of religious freedom and pluralism as a fundamental underpinning of democratic society.

-- Peace in the Middle East will also be discussed during this dinner, and the Prime Minister will be emphasizing the need here for all concerned parties to commit to words and actions that will truly result in a lasting peace.

-- The situation in Libya will be front and centre as developments continue to unfold rapidly. As you know, Canada is working in close concert with the international community to respond and will bring an important voice to the table.

-- Leaders will also discuss the ongoing crackdown on protesters in Syria, which has left more than 850 dead, and growing humanitarian concerns, as well as concern about the implications of Syrian instability for the region.

   -- As you are aware, the Prime Minister announced sanctions this week against Syria. This action is in response to the on-going and violent crackdown by the military and security forces against Syrian civilians who are peacefully protesting for democracy and the respect of human rights. 

-- The sanctions against Syria are aimed at pushing for democratic reform:
∙         A travel ban to Canada imposed on designated people associated with the current Syrian regime;
∙         An asset freeze against people associated with the current Syrian regime and entities involved in security and military operations against the Syrian people;
∙         A ban under the Export and Import Permits Act on the export from Canada to Syria of goods and technology that are subject to export controls; and,
∙         A suspension of all bilateral cooperation agreements and initiatives with Syria.

All News