Jan. 26, 96

Mr. David Sutherland
Canadian Internet World Exposition Committee
Computing and Communication Services
401 Robertson Hall
ll25 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa, Ontario
KlS 5B6

Dear Mr. Sutherland:

Thank you for your letter of November 14, 1995, detailing your proposal for a Canadian presence at the Internet 1996 World Exposition. I regret the delay in replying to you.

The site, as you have proposed it, will showcase Canadian strengths and abilities to an interested and ever--expanding international forum. Canada and Canadians have much to offer the world in the areas of technical innovation, telecommunications, culture and tourism. This event is a unique opportunity to highlight these capabilities and gives Canadians a role in shaping the emerging world of global communications.

All of these features are fundamental to this government's Jobs and Growth Agenda. Expanding the information highway and innovation in information technologies and telecommunications are key to Canada's growth in a global knowledge-based economy. Canadian firms have the ability to be world leaders in many areas surrounding the growing information highway, and the Internet 1996 World Exposition is an excellent opportunity to further enrich this expertise as well as proudly promote our firms, resources and culture to the world.

The Canadian initiative you have outlined is an ambitious and exciting one, giving Canada a strong presence at the exposition and a lasting infrastructure for the future. I support your efforts and wish you well as you strive to make this event a success.

Thank you for taking up the challenge of developing a Canadian site for this important world event.

Yours very truly,

John Manley