May 10, 2002

Ms. Melanie Quevillon

Coordinator

NGO Working Group on the Export Development Corporation

Halifax Initiative

153 Chapel Street, Suite 105

Ottawa, ON K1N 1H5

Dear Ms. Quevillon:

Thank you for your facsimilie of April 8, concerning the G-8 Environment Ministers meeting held in Banff on April 12-14. I am enclosing, for your information, a copy of the Banff Ministerial Statement on the World Summit on Sustainable Development adopted at the close of the meeting.

The Government of Canada places great importance on the role of non-governmental organizations in the G-8 process and other international meetings. Prior to the G-8 Environment Ministers meeting, I hosted an informal consultation with major Canadian stakeholders from across Canada, including environmental, development and health non-governmental organizations, business and industry, Aboriginal groups, local authorities, academia, faith communities and youth. The discussion focused on the G-8 Environment ministerial agenda and preparations for the World Summit on Sustainable Development.

I appreciate your interest in environment and sustainable development issues.

Yours sincerely,

David Anderson, PC, MP