Expo 2010 in Shanghai
News Release:
The Government of Canada Appoints Mark Rowswell “Dashan” as Canada’s Commissioner General for Expo 2010, Shanghai
SHANGHAI, China, May 13, 2009 – The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, today announced the appointment of Mark Rowswell, known as “Dashan,” as Canada’s Commissioner General for Expo 2010, which will take place in Shanghai, China, from May to October 2010.
“Expo 2010 provides a valuable opportunity for Canada to advance its foreign and trade policy goals and strengthen economic, diplomatic, and cultural ties with China,” said Minister Cannon. “As Commissioner General for Canada’s participation at Expo 2010, Mark Rowswell will be our country’s official representative, promote Canada to China, and welcome guests to our pavilion.”
“Mark Rowswell is uniquely positioned to fulfill the role of Commissioner General: a media personality with an audience of 800 million who is known for his intercultural and charity work, he represented Canada as the Canadian Team Attaché for the 2008 Olympic Games and has been inducted into the Order of Canada,” said Minister Moore. “With Mr. Rowswell on the Canadian team, we will be able to attract visitors and media to our pavilion and ensure that tens of millions more elsewhere in China will be encouraged to learn more about Canada.” Expo 2010 is expected to be the biggest exposition ever, with more than 230 countries and organizations participating. The Government of Canada expects between 5 and 5.5 million visitors to the Canada Pavilion: 30 000 per day. |
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With the assistance of Cirque du Soleil, Canada is creating a stunning pavilion that will be the jewel of Expo 2010 and an excellent showcase for Canada’s theme “The Living City: inclusive, sustainable, creative.” The objective is to make the Canada Pavilion the destination of choice at this Expo. Our participation will also include a spectacular and extensive cultural program that will showcase Canadian artists and performers from a wide range of disciplines.
Speaking Notes for the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs
May 13, 2009, SHANGHAI
Canada and China share close social and commercial relations, and the Government of Canada is committed to strengthening the ties between our two countries. We look forward to developing more opportunities — in Canada and throughout China — for our people to connect. And in that regard, Canada is very much looking forward to Expo 2010 here in this great city.
With more than 230 countries and organizations participating, it is certain to be the largest international exposition ever.
We are proud to be a part of it. Proud to have been one of the first countries to sign on to be part of it under Prime Minister Stephen Harper. And we will be proud to show you our Canadian vision of The Living City — a city that is inclusive, sustainable, and creative.
We hope to show you the Canada we, as Canadians, know and love. A culturally diverse, bilingual, environmentally aware, and technologically advanced country.
We hope ultimately to strengthen the relationship between our countries. To continue to build on our diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties. To deepen our friendship.
To ensure the success of the Canada Pavilion, we have chosen to appoint a great Canadian as Commissioner General for Canada at Expo 2010. A Canadian who has received the highest civilian honour our country has to offer. A citizen of the world who promotes goodwill between people of all backgrounds. And a cultural ambassador who served as the Canadian Team Attaché for the 2008 Olympic Games here in China.
I am happy to announce that we have appointed Mark H. Rowswell as Commissioner General for Canada at Expo 2010. “Dashan” — as he is known to many — will serve as the champion and spokesperson for Canada’s participation in Expo 2010.
For the past two decades, Dashan has been an unofficial ambassador for Canada, uniting our peoples through laughter, understanding, and goodwill. And I am confident that he will represent our country with distinction and encourage many people to visit our pavilion and to find out more about Canada.