Canadian Armenian Network (CAN) representatives attend cocktail
reception for Prime Minister Paul Martin.

Toronto, Ontario, December 14, 2004 – On December 2, 2004 over 50
supporters of the Canadian Armenian Network (CAN) attended a cocktail
reception at the Sheraton Centre in Toronto with guest of honour the
Prime Minister of Canada, Paul Martin.

The Prime Minister gave a rousing speech in which he spoke about his
recent meeting with President Bush, and outlined his vision of a greater
role for Canada on the international stage. He described some of the
directions that Canada would be taking under its new International
Policy Review, and reiterated the fundamental values that underlie the
Canadian identity.

The CAN group included business people, professionals, students, and
academics. Many CAN representatives spoke to the Prime Minister and to
members of his Cabinet, and expressed their concerns about recent CIDA
cut-backs to programs in Armenia, the fact that an embassy has not yet
been opened in Armenia, and their concerns that Canada might not take a
balanced approach to the South Caucasus in its International Policy
Review.

Also present at the reception were the following Ministers: Joe Volpe
(Human Resources and Skills Development), Jim Peterson (International
Trade), Bill Graham (National Defence), Carolyn Bennett (State, Public
Health), John Godfrey (State, Infrastructure and Communities), Judy Sgro
(Citizenship and Immigration), Albina Guaniari (Veterans Affairs), as
well as former Ontario Premiere David Peterson, and former Defence
Minister Art Eggleton.

The Canadian Armenian Network (CAN) is a group of Canadian
professionals, businesspeople, and students undertaking a long-term
agenda to promote closer ties between Canada and Armenia. CAN is also
providing logistical support to facilitate individuals and organizations
in Canada to extend humanitarian and technical support to Armenia and
Karabagh. CAN has offices in Ottawa and Yerevan, and maintains
strategic associations with other Armenian organizations.

In November 2004 members of CAN attended a similar cocktail reception in
Toronto for John Godfrey, Minister of State, Infrastructure and
Communities.

-END-