PRIME MINISTER CHRETIEN SPEAKS AT CONVENTION CENTER EXPANSION, 2002-12-04 (photo)

With an image of the current Trade and Convention Center in the  background, Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien announces that the  federal government will be contributing in excess of $200 million  toward the new convention center, in Vancouver, British Columbia,  December 4, 2002. The tourism sector will chip in $90 million while the  British Columbia and federal governments will split the remainder of  the $495-million cost. The project will be built on the west side of  the current convention center at Canada Place. It is considered a key  component of Vancouver's 2010 Winter Olympics bid. REUTERS/Lyle  Stafford    LS/HB