/R E P E A T -- Media Advisory - MINISTER STRAHL TO VISIT CHINA/

OTTAWA, Oct 8 /CNW/ - The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, will visit China from October 9-16, 2010 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Canada.

During his visit, Minister Strahl will attend a ceremony in Beijing to mark the 40-year milestone. The Minister will also deliver the opening address at the Canada-China Business Council 2^nd Canadian Financial Forum in Shanghai.

The visit will provide opportunities to strengthen economic relationships, build cooperation between the Canadian and Chinese governments, and underline Canada's strong financial standing in the international arena.

A backgrounder is attached with further information on the visit and events that are open to media.

VISIT TO CHINA - OCTOBER 2010

Media Availability

Please note: all event times below are local China Standard Time (CST)

BEIJING

• EVENT 1:  Celebration of 40 years of Canada-China Diplomatic Relations

The Honourable Minister Strahl will deliver remarks at a ceremony to celebrate the 40^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Canada and China. A reception and photo opportunity will be followed by a tour of the Dr. Norman Bethune exhibit being opened at the Soong Ching Ling Residence.

Date:    Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Time:   14.30-16.30 (please arrive by 14:15 to register)

Venue: Soong Ching Ling Residence, Beijing.

• EVENT 2: Canada-China Business Council Reception and AGM Banquet

The Honourable Minister Strahl will deliver opening remarks at a reception and AGM banquet to celebrate 40 years of Canada-China diplomatic relations. The Canada-China Business Excellence Awards will be presented to business leaders who have played an innovative and leadership role in expanding and nurturing bilateral business relationships.

Date:    Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Time:   18:00 - 21:00 (please arrive by 17:30 to register)

Venue: 4^th floor, China World Summit Wing, Beijing

• EVENT 3: Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at the opening of a new Bank of Montreal office

The Honourable Minister Strahl will deliver remarks at a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of a new Bank of Montreal Office in Beijing.

Date:   Thursday October 14, 2010

Time:   11:30-11:45 (please arrive by 11:00 to register)

Venue: BMO Office, China Central Place, 77 Jianguo Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing

SHANGHAI

• EVENT 4:  CCBC 2^nd Canadian Financial Forum

The Honourable Minister Strahl will deliver the opening address at the Canada-China Business Council (CCBC) 2^nd Canadian Financial Forum in Shanghai

Date:    Friday, October 15, 2010

Time:   13:30-14:30 (please arrive by 12:45 to register)

Venue: Canada Pavilion, Shanghai Expo

For further information:

Nina Chiarelli
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Chuck Strahl
Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, Ottawa
613- 991-0700
[email protected]

For further information or to register, media representatives should contact:

In Ottawa (for media in Canada)
Media Relations
Transport Canada
613-993-0055

In Beijing
Bernard Nguyen
Media Spokesperson
Cell phone: [phone]
[email protected]

In Shanghai
Ms. Sumeeta Chandavarkar
Media Spokesperson
Tel [phone]
[email protected]