Halifax, February 28, 1995 - An advisory inviting media from around the
world to apply for accreditation is currently being distributed to 125
Canadian embassies, missions and consulates in over 75 countries by the
Halifax Summit Office.
According to Len Edwards, executive director of the Halifax Summit Office,
this move marks the beginning of a relationship with regional, national and
international media. "Our aim is to create an information exchange with all
media representatives attending the Summit in June. We want to obtain the
necessary information for accreditation and also provide the media with
details on travel, accommodation and a host of other services," said Mr.
Edwards.
The accreditation package is made up of three components: an application
form, a media travel advisory for international representatives including
information concerning customs and entry regulations, and a media notice
containing details on accommodation, transportation and on-site media
facilities.
Although there is no absolute cut-off date for accreditation, to facilitate the
appropriate processing of the forms, the media are asked to respond by May
15. The term "media" referenced in this package refers to representatives of
bona fide news gathering organizations who have been assigned to cover the
Summit.
"We are hoping to attract journalists from
participating and non-participating
countries," noted Mr. Edwards. "Past Summits have been covered by such
diverse organizations as The New York Times, The British Broadcasting
Corporation and Izvestia. One of our key tasks as Summit organizers is to
turn the World Trade and Convention Centre and the Halifax Metro Centre
into a modern, highly-efficient media facility for the more than 2,000 media
representatives that are expected."
In Canada, these materials will be disseminated to all interested media
through provincial and national press galleries, provincial premiers' offices,
major wire services and all Ottawa based embassies of the Summit
countries. Internationally, the materials will be made available through
Canadian embassies, missions and consulates.
The Summit is a gathering of leaders from the seven largest industrialized
nations as well as representatives of the European Union and the Russian
Federation. The event will take place in Halifax from June 15 -17, 1995.
For more information contact:
Marie-Helene Fox or Angela Surrette Halifax Summit Media Relations (902) 473-7119