Mr. Herbert Brownstein                                                                                     November 22, 2004
Senior Partner
Brownstein & Brownstein Attorneys
1310 Greene Avenue, Suite 750
Westmount, Québec
H3Z 2B2

Dear Mr. Brownstein:

On behalf of the Government of Canada, I am pleased to invite you to participate in the Canada Trade Mission I will lead to Shanghai, Beijing and Hong Kong, China, from January 18 to 25, 2005.

In the recent Speech from the Throne, the Government committed to putting particular emphasis on new and emerging markets such as Brazil, China and India in order to take advantage of the growing opportunities in these markets. Broadening and deepening bilateral trade and investment with these countries is a priority for Canada and will reinforce the Government's efforts to build a 21st century economy. Canadian companies need to be much better positioned in these markets if they are to participate fully in the market growth that is expected.

China's economy has grown by more than 40 percent over the last four years, and is now the seventh largest in the world. Since its accession to the Word Trade Organization in December 2001, China has opened its markets and undertaken economic reforms. It now has an increasingly powerful industrial infrastructure that is driving greater integration with the economies of East and Southeast Asia. All of these elements make it a very attractive market for Canadian companies.

China is our second-largest trading partner after the United States. For the first eight months of this year, Canada's exports to China increased 43.8% compared to the same period last year. China offers tremendous commercial potential for Canadian businesses in sectors such as financial services, education, natural resources, transportation, agri-food, information and communication technologies, biotechnology, aerospace and tourism.

The program being tailored in Shanghai, Beijing and Hong Kong will consist of seminars and conferences, hospitality events and networking opportunities designed to introduce participants to local government decision-makers and local business leaders, as well as Canadian business people active in the region with experience to share. In addition to conducting sectoral seminars and providing background information on local commercial conditions, officials from International Trade Canada and the Canadian Embassy in China will work with the delegates to identify potential business partners.

This trade mission reflects an excellent opportunity to explore the vibrant Chinese market while promoting Canadian products, services and technologies. I feel the time is right to strengthen our relations with China and increase our growth potential and partnerships in this important market.

If you would like to register for the mission or have any questions, please consult the enclosed list of business development officers for your respective region.

I look forward to seeing you in China.

Sincerely,

The Honourable James Scott Peterson, P.C., M.P.

Enclosure.