FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 9, 2015

WASHINGTON, DC – Mr. Peter Van Praagh, 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, through the Department of National Defence and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, have forged a strong partnership over the past six years with a common goal of advancing a modern vision of security that builds democracy, creates opportunity, and promotes peace. Halifax International Security Forum is now considered by many to be a key strategic Canadian asset.

I congratulate the Honourable Rob Nicholson on his appointment as Minister of Foreign Affairs. Minister Nicholson served as a hospitable and strong host of the Halifax International Security Forum in 2013 and 2014 and helped to build the Forum’s global reputation as the most important international gathering of democratic, political, military, and security leaders.

I congratulate the Honourable Jason Kenney on his appointment as Minister of National Defence. Minister Kenney is a determined leader who understands the need to engage in dialogue and inspire new ideas in international security matters. As Ministers Kenney and Nicholson represent Canadian leadership and values around the world, I will look forward to working with them in the run-up to this year’s Forum to ensure it continues to address the world’s most serious challenges.

I thank the Honourable John Baird, former Minister of Foreign Affairs, for his leadership at the Halifax International Security Forum, and thank the Honourable Peter MacKay, who as Canada’s Minister of National Defence developed the vision of the Halifax International Security Forum, served as the first 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 60 different countries.”

This year’s Forum will be held November 20-22, 2015, when individuals 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 meet in Canada to address global security challenges head on.

Halifax International Security Forum is an independent, non-profit, non-partisan organization based in Washington, DC.

For more information about the Halifax International Security Forum, please contact info@halifaxtheforum.org.