Press Release - February 22, 2002

Hong Kong's Legislative Council Delegation left Canada this evening (February 22) for Hong Kong after a 7-day visit to Ottawa and Toronto which the delegation leader, Dr Lui Ming-wah described as 'very fruitful' and 'productive'.

Dr Lui was particularly pleased that the delegation had successfully renewed the friendship with the Canada Hong Kong Parliamentary Friendship Group and had successful dialogues and meetings with both provincial and city governments as well as business, social, healthcare and cultural organizations which provided the delgation with much food for thought.

The delegation arrived at Ottawa last Saturday (February 16) for a visit during which members met with the Canada Hong Kong Parliamentary Friendship Group, the Mayor of Ottawa and other senior government officials. The delegation continued their visit to Toronto in the last three days when they met with senior city and provincial government officials, as well as presidents of the local Chinese business associations and leading figures of the Hong Kong Canada Business Association.

The visit is the first in recent years since the last visit in 1992 when the Canada Hong Kong Parliamentary Friendship Group was formed. Other members of the delegation include Dr Hon. Philip Wong Yu-hong, Deputy Leader; Hon. Chan Kwok-keung; Hon. Tommy Cheung Yu-yan, Hon. Fred Li Wah-ming, Hon. Michael Mak kwok-fung and Hon. Yeung Yiu-chung.

"The visit has been very fruitful and successful. Our visit to Ottawa had given us an in-depth understanding of the operations of Canada's three level government. We are particularly pleased that our meeting with the Canada Hong Kong Parliamentary Friendship Group had renewed the friendship between parliamentarians of Hong Kong and Canada," said Dr Lui.

While in Toronto, the delegation was briefed by the Assistant Deputy Minister of Finance & Chief Economist for the Ministry of Finance on Ontario's economic situation and its outlook. The delegation expressed concern on Canada's strong reliance on the U. S. market and encouraged the Canadian businessmen to invest in Hong Kong and leverage on its distinctive advantages as the gateway to China.

The delegation also met with Councillor Mike Feldman and Councillor Chris Korwin-Kuczynski, Chair and Vice Chair of Economic Development and Parks Committee of Toronto's City Council and was briefed on the latest developments of Greater Toronto.

The delegation received a warm welcome at the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto and the senior homes of Yee Hong Centre and Mon Sheong Home for the Aged, both of which cater for senior Canadian Chinese.

"We are very impressed by the high standard of the facilities and services provided by the two Chinese senior homes. The visit has given us a good opportunity to exchange views on the delivery of elderly healthcare and I believe we can learn a lot from Canada," said Dr Lui.

The delegation also visited the Hospital for Sick Children and met with Dr Tsui Lap-Chee, a world-renowned scientist in genetic research from Hong Kong on his genetic research work in the hospital, as well as the integration of healthcare services with research projects.

Other places which the delegation also visited included the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Canada), the Hong Kong Tourism Board and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, the Toronto Board of Trade, and the Canada-Hong Kong Resource Centre of the University of Toronto.


For more information, please contact: John Tam, Chief Information Officer of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office at: (416) 924-5544 or email: [email protected] or Elison Chu, Senior Information Office, [email protected].

Picture shows Hon. Dr Lui Ming-wah (4th from the right), leader of Hong Kong's Legislative Council Delegation, presenting a souvenir to Councillor Mike Feldman (3rd from the left), Chair of Economic Development and Parks Committee of Toronto¡¦s City Council, during the delegation's visit in Toronto.