HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA -- (Marketwire) -- 11/16/12 -- The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, today launched the fourth annual Halifax International Security Forum ("the Forum") in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The three-day event will take place from November 16th to 18th.

"This unique and growing event, taking place in Halifax, highlights Canada's profile on the world stage and is a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas with top international security thinkers and decision-makers," stated Minister MacKay. "I am proud to support the Halifax International Security Forum, which provides opportunities for Canadian voices to shape discussion on international security issues."

The Forum showcases to Canadian allies and key partners our commitment, under the Canada First Defence Strategy, to further strengthening our relationships with our transatlantic allies and our key partners in the Americas and the Asia-Pacific region, as well as Canada's continued international engagements post-Afghanistan.

Discussions at the Forum will cover a wide range of topics, including current trends in international security, the crisis in Syria, the rise of China, the impact of technological change on modern warfare, and the special responsibilities of democratic nations.

"The Halifax International Security Forum provides an excellent opportunity to further build and maintain bilateral defence and industry relationships", said Associate Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, the Honourable Bernard Valcourt. "I am especially pleased to host this event in the Atlantic Canada and I am looking forward to the valuable discussions that will take place throughout the weekend."

Over 300 participants are expected, including prominent Canadian and international figures from government, military, academia, media, and the private sector. Along with the Minister of National Defence, the Associate Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, the Honourable Vic Toews, Minister for Public Safety, the Chief of Defence Staff, and senior officials will attend the event.

The Forum is supported by the Government of Canada, which has, since the inaugural conference in 2009, provided approximately $2.5 million each year to help support the Forum.

For further information, especially on the Forum's participants, please consult the following backgrounder: http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/news-nouvelles/news-nouvelles-eng.asp?id=4493 and the following website: http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/feature-vedette/2012/11/index-eng.asp.

Regular updates on the Forum will be provided via the twitter handle @canadianforces.

For more information on the Forum: http://www.halifaxtheforum.org.