Chaired by the Honourable Paul Martin, Minister of Finance for Canada, the meeting will bring together Ministers and delegations from the 54 member countries of the Commonwealth. Ministers will also discuss the critical resource situation of the Commonwealth Fund for Technical Co-operation. Ministers and senior officials will have an opportunity to exchange views on subjects that are likely to be on the IMF-World Bank meeting agenda. All journalists wishing to attend the meeting in Canada should complete the attached Accreditation Form and return it to the Information and Public Affairs Division, Commonwealth Secretariat by 28 August, 1998.
Accreditation is open to all bona fide news organisations.
Freelance media representatives must be sponsored by a recognised news organisation and attach a letter of assignment to the accreditation form. Please reference the media blocks booked by the Department of Finance for the Commonwealth Finance Ministers Meeting when speaking to the hotels. Media are strongly advised to book their accommodation by the above-mentioned closing date to ensure lodging. The hotel occupancy rate in Ottawa during September and October is very high and it may be difficult to find a hotel room after 28 August. Travel arrangements are the responsibility of each media representative.