STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE HALIFAX INTERNATIONAL SECURITY FORUM REGARDING CHANGES TO THE CANADIAN CABINET

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 15 July 2013 WASHINGTON, DC – Mr. Peter Van Praagh, the President of the Halifax International Security Forum, today issued the following statement on changes to the Canadian cabinet: “The Halifax International Security Forum and the Canadian government have forged a strong partnership with a common goal of bringing together informed leaders to consider international security issues in order to build democracy, create opportunities and promote peace. The Honourable Peter MacKay, as Canada’s Minister of National Defence, developed the vision of the Halifax International Security Forum, served as host of the Forum and, through his efforts and outreach as an international statesman, helped grow the annual November event to over 300 leaders from 50 different countries. Today, Prime Minister Harper named Minister MacKay as Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada. I congratulate Minister MacKay on this well-deserved appointment and I thank Minister MacKay for his vision, leadership and commitment to the Halifax International Security Forum. His efforts helped Halifax become a strategic asset for Canada and attain a global reputation as the most important international conference on issues of security and democracy. I know that Minister MacKay’s commitment to the Halifax International Security Forum remains strong, that he will continue as a leader of the Halifaxcommunity, and that his new role will see him bring an even bigger breadth of knowledge to our discussions in November. I also wish to thank Minister Gail Shea for her efforts as Minister for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and her commitment to the Halifax International Security Forum. Minister Shea is a strong partner for Halifax as well as a keen advocate of economic growth and economic diversity for the Atlantic Canadian region. The Halifax community welcomes the Honourable Rob Nicholson to the Defence portfolio and the Honourable Rob Moore as the new Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. As the former Minister of Justice since 2006, Minister Nicholson has been a steady hand in that portfolio. I know that his strong leadership, as well as our continued close collaboration with officials and military members at the Department of National Defence, will allow us to plan the 2013 Forum to meet the high standard global leaders have come to expect. The Halifax International Security Forum is privileged to work with the Department of National Defence and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency to advance a unique vision of security that brings like-minded leaders from around the world to Canadian shores, creating dialogue and inspiring ideas.” The 5th Halifax International Security Forum will be held November 22-24, 2013 in Halifax, Nova Scotia and will again bring together individuals who are on the ground facing consequential local threats, writers who challenge and influence the world’s thinking on security, and decision-makers who make the tough choices. Halifax International Security Forum is a non-profit, non-partisan organization based in Washington, DC.

Contact: Joe Hall, Vice President Halifax International Security Forum Telephone: 202-688-2470 Email: joe@halifaxtheforum.org