14-OCT-1992 11:16
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POLITICAL ADVISOR OFFICE
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APA (~)
12 October, 1992
CANADA SUPPORTS HONG KONG
GOVERNOR'S PROPOSAL FOR GREATER DEMOCRACY
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Canadian Commissioner Mr. John Higginbotham today announced that the Canadian Government has expressed strong support for a proposal by the Hong Kong Governor, Christopher Patten, to establish a more democratic system within the framework of the Sino-British Joint Declaration and the Basic Law,
In a statement issued in Ottawa, Canada's Secretary of State for External Affairs, the Honourable Barbara McDougall stated that: "As a result of extensive economic, cultural and people ties, Canadians have an important stake in Hong Kong's future. We support Governor Patten's efforts to expand and broaden democracy in Hong Kong. We believe that democracy is the key to securing Hong Kong's future after 1997."
In particular, Mrs. McDougall commented favourably on the proposals to lower the voting age to 18, to expand representation of working people in the Legislative Council, and to arrange for the Executive to be subject to a regular Question Period.
In the statement, Mrs. McDougall also noted that Governor Patten plans to be in Canada in November to participate in events surrounding Festival Hong Kong. The festival, which started on September 30, is taking place simultaneously in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal and is a major celebration of Hong Kong culture and friendship with Canada. The Hong Kong Festival runs until November 15.
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- For information, please contact Mr. Neil Reeder, Commission for Canada at 8477468.
THE COMMISSION FOR CANADA, 11-14/F., TOWER 1, EXCHANGE SQUARE, 8 CONNAUGHT PLACE, HONG KONG
G.P.O. BOX 11142 TEL. 5-8104321
FAX: 5-8477452
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