MP PRAISES U.S. VIRTUAL PRESENCE POST

UNCLAS OTTAWA 000389 SIPDIS SIPDIS SENSITIVE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL KPAO CA SUBJECT: MP PRAISES U.S. VIRTUAL PRESENCE POST ¶1. (SBU) Member of Parliament for the Yukon Larry Bagnell, in a meeting in Ottawa with poloffs on March 13, praised the U.S. Virtual Presence Post in the Yukon, and said that he and his constituents had found it "extremely useful." He commented that public awareness of the website in the Yukon was "very high," and that many constituents had told him they "frequently" used the website to find needed information. Bagnell emphasized that he and his constituents were "flattered" that the U.S. had established a virtual post dedicated to the Yukon, and expressed his thanks to the U.S. Government. ¶2. (U) The United States maintains virtual presence posts in each of Canada's three territories: the Yukon, the North West Territories, and Nunavut. These virtual posts are interactive websites that serve as fora for information on such topics as U.S. policies, U.S.-Canada bilateral relations, traveling to the U.S., and USG services. Each virtual presence post is linked to an actual U.S. consulate. The Yukon Virtual Presence Post is linked to the U.S. Consulate in Vancouver, and includes a bio of the Consul General and information on contacting the Consulate. Please see www.canadanorth.usvpp.gov to visit the U.S. virtual presence posts in Canada. WILKINS