Government of Canada, MEG Energy and the Halifax International Security Forum Launch Halifax Canada Club

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 14, 2012 Washington, DC—The Halifax International Security Forum together with the Government of Canada and MEG Energy today announced the creation of a new public-private partnership, the Halifax Canada Club, to ensure that world leaders continue their work toward mutual understanding and joint action at the annual Halifax International Security Forum. The Halifax Canada Club will serve as a permanent body supporting the annual Halifax International Security Forum. This new body gives the private sector an opportunity to participate alongside government in the unique and valuable discussions that take place at the Forum, and to help foster debate on leading international topics including energy security, democratic institution building, and defense relations. The Halifax Canada Club will also be extending membership invitations to other prominent Canadian and international companies and individuals who are respected leaders in their fields committed to international peace and security. Every November, leaders of the world’s democracies gather in Halifax, Nova Scotia, for three days to share ideas to strengthen security and expand opportunities for their citizens. Backed by a significant investment from the Government of Canada, the Halifax International Security Forum has gained a reputation as one of the most important international conferences on issues of security and democracy. The Halifax Forum takes a comprehensive approach to security that includes energy, economic, and cyber security, as well as more traditional national security threats. TIME Magazine and The Atlantic Monthly refer to the Halifax meeting as “the Davos of International Security.” Indeed, leaders from Canada, the United States, South America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia have called Halifax International Security Forum the place to get things done. “True security can be achieved and maintained only when people enjoy the benefits of democracy, leading in turn to economic opportunity and lasting peace,” Minister of National Defence Peter MacKay said from Ottawa. “Canada has recognized this truth for generations. Now, the rest of the world is eager to join us in this discussion, and the Halifax Canada Club will make sure that these values shared by Canada continue to influence the global community.” “The Halifax Canada Club promotes a unique vision of security that addresses complex realities and engages the world’s most relevant players in a Canadian setting,” Bill McCaffrey, MEG Energy Chairman and CEO said from Calgary. “It is appropriate that the business sector joins with the public sector to support the important work of this truly world-­‐class forum.” “Unlike other events in Europe or Asia, Halifax draws people closest to the realities on the ground, writers who challenge and influence the world’s thinking on security, and decision-makers who make the choices,” said Peter Van Praagh, President of Halifax International Security Forum. “The Halifax Canada Club will add leading-edge private-sector voices to the conversation.” The 2012 Halifax International Security Forum will be November 16-18 in Halifax, Nova Scotia