ADDRESS BY

PRIME MINISTER PAUL MARTIN

DURING THE CEREMONY OF WELCOME FOR THE QUEEN’S VISIT TO CANADA

May 18, 2005

Regina, Saskatchewan

On behalf of all Canadians, I would like to welcome Your Majesty and Your Highness to Canada`s western heartland for the centenary of the Provinces of Saskatchewan and Alberta.

It is fitting that this ceremony of welcome takes place here at the magnificent Legislative Building, which speaks so eloquently to the spirit of the times, 100 years ago, when Saskatchewan joined Confederation and became a province of Canada.

The grandeur of this building declares confidence and strength of character.  In the echoes of its halls you hear the voices of the early builders of this province -- tough, practical people who dared to dream; stubborn and proud people, conscious of their families’ needs, but ready to lend a hand and look out for one another.

A century ago, the Canadian West was the site of one of this continent’s largest migrations.  People arrived from the far reaches of the globe – often with little more than the clothes on their backs and the name of Canada on their lips. Many settled on the Prairies.

They didn’t have a lot. But they had something no one could take from them -- a belief that, if given an opportunity, they could build for themselves a better life.  A freer life.  A more prosperous and peaceful life.

The optimism of the people who settled here a century ago continues to this day.

The history of Saskatchewan is a story of compassion and struggle, ingenuity and achievement. It is a story of First Nations and the Métis Nation whose forefathers shared this bountiful land, which fed the new settlers and gave them hope. A century later, as this province and its neighbour Alberta stand at the dawn of second century in Confederation, that same spirit of compassion and respect, of freedom and perseverance, endures. 

Those who dare to dream still look up at the stars at night; their eyes sweep along an endless Prairie sky.  And they know that this is their home.

To commemorate this 2005 Royal Visit to Canada, the Government of Canada will make a gift donation, in Your Majesty’s name, to the Memory Project -- an initiative of the Dominion Institute.

This Project engages young people in capturing the stories of Canada’s war veterans.  In doing so, it links the generations in a greater understanding and knowledge of the Canadian experience of valour, sacrifice and duty.  

This being the 60th anniversary of V-E Day and the Year of the Veteran in Canada, Canadians of all ages are reminded again of the heroic deeds of the men and women – from all parts of Canada, from all walks of life – who gave so much for us. 

We owe our freedom to them.  Our solemn obligation is to ensure that their memory – as well as their memories – live on, forever.  The Memory Project is doing just that.

Your Majesty,

For more than half the life of the Provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan, you have been our Queen. You have borne witness to the changes, the challenges, the achievements of Canadians.  You are part of that history, part of us.  Through times of great sadness and great joy, you have been with us. Your affection for and dedication to our country has never wavered.

Now, on this centenary occasion, we give to you, as always, our loyalty, our deep affection – and a most heartfelt welcome to this wonderful part of Canada.

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Canadian Ministry Listing (as of May 17, 2005)
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ADDRESS BY

PRIME MINISTER PAUL MARTIN

OTTAWA, ONTARIO

TO THE NATION

April 21, 2005

Good evening.

I want to talk to you directly tonight – about the problems in the sponsorship program; about how I’ve responded to them as your prime minister; and about the timing of the next general election.

Let me speak plainly: what happened with the sponsorship file occurred on the watch of a Liberal government. Those who were in power are to be held responsible. And that includes me.

I was the Minister of Finance.  Knowing what I've learned this past year, I am sorry that we weren’t more vigilant - that I wasn't more vigilant. Public money was misdirected and misused. That’s unacceptable. And that is why I apologized to the Canadian people a year ago.

But taking responsibility is about more than words. I want to tell you what I’ve done as Prime Minister to deal with the sponsorship scandal – to make sure it does not happen again, to make sure that those who violated the public trust will be identified and will pay the consequences.

On December 12, 2003, I cancelled the sponsorship program. It was my very first act on my very first day in office.

When the Auditor-General’s report was publicly tabled, I acted immediately by ordering a fully independent commission of inquiry, under Mr. Justice John Gomery. Its mandate is to get to the bottom of what happened, and to do it in full view of Canadians. It will report before the end of the year.

And I think you’ll agree – Judge Gomery is leaving no stone unturned. 

In addition, I fired Alfonso Gagliano, the minister responsible for the sponsorship program, from his appointment as Ambassador to Denmark.

I put in strict new controls on spending within every single government department.

My government brought forward whistleblower legislation to ensure that when public servants and others come forward with evidence of wrongdoing, they are protected, not punished.

To recover taxpayers’ money – money that went to those who did not earn it -- I ordered my government to sue 19 people and companies for more than $40-million.

I committed to acting on the recommendations of Judge Gomery when he brings forth his final report. And I myself testified before his commission, answering any and all questions.

Finally, I ordered that the Liberal party bring in auditors to conduct a forensic examination of its books - and call in the RCMP to investigate what took place during that period.

Let me emphasize that point: if so much as a dollar is found to have made its way into the Liberal party from ill-gotten gains, it will be repaid to the people of Canada. I want no part of that money.

As Prime Minister, I will never hesitate to describe what happened on the sponsorship file for what is was: an unjustifiable mess. It’s up to me to clean it up. That’s my job. I am cleaning it up. And I am willing to be judged on my record of action.

In recent weeks, fallout from the sponsorship inquiry has led to speculation about an election – which in turn is consuming virtually all political discussion, at least here on Parliament Hill. Initiatives to improve health care, strengthen our economy and ensure for Canada a role of pride and influence in the world are being obscured by partisan jousting.

In short, the Parliament you sent to Ottawa less than a year ago is preoccupied with election talk and with political strategy – not with the job you sent us here to do.  

As people focus their attention on the commission’s hearings, let’s remember that the inquiry is being held in front of a judge for good reason.

There is conflicting testimony; only the judge is in a position to determine the truth. Only he can cut through the partisan politics. Only he can tell us what happened and who was responsible.

We’ve all heard that the opposition may defeat the government and take the country to the polls for the second time in a year.

I am prepared to face Canadians and have them judge my response to this serious test of leadership. I will be politically accountable. But I believe that before there is an election, you are entitled to answers – to the answers that Judge Gomery is working toward. I believe that Canadians deserve a full and frank accounting of all the facts. Fairness and due process require nothing less.

For that reason, I commit to you tonight that I will call a general election within 30 days of the publication of the commission’s final report and recommendations. Let Judge Gomery do his work. Let the facts come out. And then the people of Canada will have their say.

If the Opposition forces an election before then, that is their choice. But I believe we can do better. I believe we can – and we should – use the coming months to pursue the public’s business. To act on the issues that matter most to you and make a difference in your life.

If we are to have an election, one that will be at least in part about the work of Judge Gomery, surely that election should occur only when we have the work of Judge Gomery.

In closing, let me say this: there are people who think I was wrong to call this inquiry, wrong to expose my government to the political cost of the scrutiny that has ensued. They warn we will pay a price in the next election. And perhaps we will.

But I trust your judgment. And I will not dishonour this office by trying to conceal or diminish such offensive wrongdoing. I have too much respect for this place.

When I was young, I practically lived here in the Parliament Buildings. My father was a cabinet minister in four Liberal governments. He taught me that those who serve in public office have a duty to protect the integrity of government.

My pledge to you tonight is that I will live up to that ideal. I went into public life because I believe in the good that government can do. And I will do my all as Prime Minister to make sure that your government is worthy of your respect.

The final judgment on whether I have done that will be yours.

Thank you. And good night.

STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER ON THE INVESTITURE

 OF THE NEW POPE

April 20, 2005

Prime Minister Paul Martin today issued the following statement on the investiture of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger as Pope Benedict XVI.

"On behalf of the Government and the people of Canada, I welcome news of the election of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI as the supreme pontiff of the Catholic Church.

"We know that he will cherish and continue the legacy of Pope John Paul II, and we pledge our support to his all-important work in the service of humanity, both in promoting human rights and in fostering greater understanding between the peoples and the nations of the world. We also know him to be a sincere and devoted servant of the Roman Catholic faith, who is uniquely placed to contribute toward overcoming racial, ethnic and religious hatred, and eradicating poverty and hunger. There are many areas in which the Government of Canada, as well as individual Canadians, can work with the Holy See to achieve these important objectives. Our common humanity gives this work, in an era of great global challenges, greater meaning than ever."

AN OPEN LETTER TO LIBERALS FROM
PRIME MINISTER PAUL MARTIN

April 11, 2005


Dear Liberal friend:

In recent days, testimony at the Gomery Commission has captured a great deal of public attention. It has also given rise to allegations about the Liberal Party itself and, by extension, all of us who are members. I felt it was important to write you on this subject and share my perspective and my pride in all of you as Liberals and activists.

As Leader and Prime Minister, I want party members everywhere to remember that it was this Liberal government that established the Gomery Commission – precisely in order to see that anyone who might have used the Liberal name to profit from national unity would be identified and punished. Similarly, if there are those who abused our party’s trust by using their position or their association with it, they have done a terrible disservice to the people of Canada and the members of our Party.

Like all Liberals and all Canadians, I'm offended by what I've heard in recent testimony. If even part of it turns out to be true, it is abhorrent to us all.

Public life is the highest service to which one can commit and the Liberal Party must embody the highest of ethical standards. This is my determined view, just as I know it is yours.
To those who have watched recent testimony, I say simply this is not the way politics should be done. Most certainly, this is not the way we do politics in the Liberal Party.

Canadians are looking for someone to step forward and to be accountable for cleaning up this mess and as Prime Minister and Liberal Leader, I accept that responsibility.

In fact, as my first act in office, on December 12th, 2003, I cancelled the sponsorship program. I made sure that those implicated were removed from their positions as crown corporation executives. The Government has also filed a lawsuit against 19 defendants, including several communications companies and their directors, to recover $41 million. And of course, it was this Liberal government that appointed Justice Gomery. With his conclusions in hand, I will act swiftly and surely to ensure those who did wrong face the full consequence of their actions.

As Liberals, these challenging times will also give us an ideal opportunity to show Canadians our true values and ethics. It is the Liberal Party that believes in the good that government can do, that has stood at every important moment in our nation’s history to fight for a united country and that has delivered to Canadians the strongest economy and best quality of life anywhere in the world.

It is these values, expressed through the policies we pursue that tell the true story of what the Liberal Party stands for and what it will fight for in the future. Together we have made great strides to strengthen public health care by finding ways to lower the times that Canadians have to wait for heart surgeries and cancer treatments. We have taken steps to revitalize Canada’s cities and communities, and to preserve our natural environment. We are working to build a child care system on which Canadians can depend.

In other words, this Liberal government is keeping its promises to Canadian taxpayers. While the Gomery inquiry finishes its job, we must continue to do ours. Most important of all, we must be proud of who we are, the good we’ve done and the good we will continue to do in the future. That is why I am – like you - so proud to be a Liberal.

Sincerely,



Prime Minister Paul Martin




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PRIME MINISTER PAUL MARTIN AND MRS. SHEILA MARTIN
TO VISIT ROME, ITALY

April 07-08, 2005

Following is the media itinerary for Prime Minister Paul Martin’s visit to Rome, Italy.

Thursday, April 7, 2005

OTTAWA

05:00    All media luggage must be checked at the Canada Reception Centre (Hangar 11).

07:00    Airbus departs from the Canada Reception Centre (Hangar 11) for Rome, Italy.

 ROME, ITALY

21:20    Prime Minister Paul Martin and Mrs. Sheila Martin arrive at Practica del Mare Military Base.

            Rome, Italy

            Pool media coverage of arrival

21:35    Prime Minister Paul Martin and Mrs. Sheila Martin depart Practica del Mare Military Base for

            the Exedra Hotel.

21:40    Media bus 1 departs Practica del Mare Military Base for the Quirinale Hotel.

            Via Nationale, 7-00184 Roma

            Tel. 39 06 4707  

            Fax 39 06 4820099

22:15    Prime Minister Paul Martin and Mrs. Sheila Martin arrive at the Exedra Hotel.   

Private programme

23:05    Media bus 1 arrives at the Quirinale Hotel.

            (Room keys will be given in the lobby of the hotel, ground floor.)

Friday, April 8, 2005

Private programme

06:00    Media bus 1 departs the Quirinale Hotel for St. Peter’s Square.

07:00    Media bus 1 arrives at St. Peter’s Square.

09:00    Prime Minister Paul Martin and Mrs. Sheila Martin depart the Exedra Hotel for St. Peter’s Square.

09:15    Prime Minister Martin and Mrs. Sheila Martin arrive at St. Peter’s Square.

10:00    Prime Minister Paul Martin and Mrs. Sheila Martin attend the funeral ceremony for Pope Jean Paul ll.
                    

Pool coverage of ceremony

13:00    Prime Minister Paul Martin and Mrs. Sheila Martin depart St. Peter’s Square for the Exedra Hotel.  

14:25    Prime Minister Paul Martin and Mrs. Sheila Martin arrive at the Exedra Hotel.        

Private programme

14:45    Media bus 1 departs St. Peter’s Square for the Canadian Embassy.

16:30    Media bus 1 arrives at the Canadian Embassy.

18:30    Media bus 1 departs the Canadian Embassy for the Practica del Mare Military Base Airport.

18:45    Prime Minister Paul Martin and Mrs. Sheila Martin depart the Exedra Hotel for the Practica del Mare

            Military Base Airport.

19:30    Media bus 1 arrives at the Practica del Mare Military Base Airport.

19:45    Prime Minister Paul Martin and Mrs. Sheila Martin arrive at the Practica del Mare Military Base Airport.

20:00    Prime Minister Paul Martin and Mrs. Sheila Martin depart Rome, Italy for Ottawa.

            Practica del Mare Military Base Airport    

            Pool photo coverage of departure

OTTAWA

23:20    Prime Minister Paul Martin and Mrs. Sheila Martin arrive in Ottawa.

            Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (Hangar 11)

Open media coverage                                                                                    

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STATEMENT BY

PRIME MINISTER PAUL MARTIN 

ON THE OCCASION OF THE NORTH AMERICAN LEADERS SUMMIT

 March 23, 2005
 WACO, TEXAS

Good afternoon.  It’s a real pleasure to be here in Texas and to stand with these two men as representatives of one North America, proud and strong.

President Bush, President Fox and I represent three sovereign nations that have formed one of the most successful partnerships in the world.  As North Americans, we have many accomplishments to celebrate, but we also recognize that we cannot be complacent.  The world is not standing still.  New economic powerhouses such as China and India are rising. We face new opportunities, new threats, new challenges. Changing times demand a renewed partnership – stronger, more dynamic, a partnership focused on the future. We are determined to forge and ensure the next generation of our continent’s success. That is the destination. The Security and Prosperity Partnership that we are launching today is the roadmap.

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The Security and Prosperity Partnership is focused on finding practical ways to help our citizens live healthier, safer and more prosperous lives.  It’s about good jobs and higher incomes, a more secure continent, cleaner water and cleaner air. And it’s about an understanding – an understanding that when we work together to make North America safer, more competitive, more prosperous, then we help the citizens of North America, all of them, to achieve a better quality of life. We all benefit from our collective achievement.

Our partnership recognizes that in today’s world, the objectives of prosperity, security and enhanced quality of life have never been more interrelated. 

In terms of prosperity, we will increase the competitiveness of our industries and expand consumer choice by cutting red tape. We will eliminate regulations that are nuisance rather than necessity. And we will do this while maintaining the highest standards of health and safety for our citizens.

By pursuing agreed approaches to regulation based on sound science, we can help to avoid the risk of hidden protectionism as some advocate in responding to BSE. I want to thank President Bush and President Fox for the support they have shown Canada. We look forward to the day in the near future when, notwithstanding the legal challenges of individual lobby groups, all of North America is open to our safe, high-quality beef.

In terms of security, we understand that securing our borders is a crucial checkpoint on the road to our collective prosperity. Safe borders serve not only to secure our people against threats such as terror.  They make possible the speedy flow of goods, services, people and information among our three nations -- leading to greater economic activity and better management of shared environmental and health challenges. Standing on the shoulders of the Smart Borders initiative, Canada is making major new investments in security and defence spending. We are a full and forceful partner in building a safe and secure North America.

Under this partnership, we have agreed to develop and to implement a North American cargo security strategy – a strategy that will ensure compatible and effective screening methods, both prior to departure from a foreign port and at the first point of entry. We will bolster our shared commitment to maritime security.  And we have agreed to enhance partnerships on intelligence related to North America’s safety.

In terms of quality of life, our three countries have a shared responsibility for the environment of this continent and the health of its people. Infectious diseases and invasive species don’t carry passports. They don’t respect borders. So we as nations must work as one on such issues – whether it’s the spread of a contagion like SARS or a freshwater concern like Devils Lake. Under our partnership, we will develop common approaches to public health co-ordination, especially as it pertains to infectious disease surveillance, prevention and control. When a public health risk emerges, we want our laboratory centres in Atlanta and Winnipeg and Mexico City talking to one another. And we will improve air and water quality and develop cleaner and more efficient energy sources.

The Security and Prosperity Partnership will complement our efforts under NAFTA, which has been a great success, but we can make it work better. In particular, the decisions of dispute settlement panels need to be respected and implemented -- to resolve our differences in a fair and final manner, based on the rule of law.  I will continue to press for a resolution of the softwood lumber dispute, and look forward to working through the other tables and mechanisms we’ve established to improve the functioning of the dispute settlement system.

The partnership among Canada, the United States and Mexico is important, for all three nations and for their people. That is why we have committed to meet in person on a regular basis to assess our progress, to address concerns and evaluate opportunities, to ensure that this partnership produces concrete, measurable results.

The efforts of the past decade have been successful. It now falls to us to respond to new challenges and seize new opportunities. The Security and Prosperity Partnership is our commitment to do so together as nations, as friends and as full partners in North America.

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