STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER

March 22, 2008

Ottawa, Ontario - Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement today to congratulate Jeffrey Buttle on winning the gold medal at the ISU World Figure Skating Championships 2008:

"On behalf of all Canadians, I would like to congratulate Jeffrey Buttle on his exceptional first-place finish at the 2008 World Figure Skating Championships in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Mr. Buttle’s outstanding performance is an inspiration to all Canadians that demonstrates his talent and dedication to Canadian sport excellence.

Mr. Buttle will now go on to compete at the 2009 World Figure Skating Championships in Los Angeles which will be the final championships prior to the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver.

On behalf of the Government of Canada, I would also like to congratulate all our athletes who compete in various international competitions and represent our country with distinction and pride."