The International Mathematical Union decision to invite Canada to join level 5 was based upon "a recognition of the excellent mathematics being done in Canada". Dr. Katherine Heinrich, President of the Canadian Mathematical Society (CMS), stated that "the status of Canadian mathematics has grown significantly over the past several years and it is important that this has been recognized by the IMU.

The National Research Council of Canada is Canada's adhering member to the IMU and works in partnership with the CMS to support Canada's affiliation with the IMU.

At the meeting of the International Congress of Mathematics, Berlin, Germany (August 12-17, 1998) - ICM'98, Canada will be represented by Dr. Donald Dawson, Director, The Fields Institute for Research in the Mathematical Sciences, Toronto, Dr. George Elliott, University of Toronto, Dr. Peter Fillmore, Dalhousie University, Past-President of the Canadian Mathematical Society and Chair - CMS International Affairs Committee, Dr. Nassif Ghoussoub, Director of the Pacific Institute for the Mathematical Sciences, Vancouver, Dr. Jacques Hurtubise, Directeur adjoint, Centre de recherches mathématiques, Montréal and Vice-President of the CMS and Dr. Nicole Tomczak-Jaegermann, University of Alberta.

Four resident Canadians have been invited to give a major talk at ICM'98: Dr. James Arthur, University of Toronto, Dr. Bernhard Hodgson, Université Laval, Dr. Stevo Todorcevic, University of Toronto and Dr. Tomczak-Jaegermann. In addition, several Canadians now residing outside Canada have been invited to speak at this prestigious meeting.

"At the last three ICM's, 13 Canadian mathematicians have been invited to give major talks. Only six countries, USA, Russia, France, Germany, the United Kingdom and Japan have made greater contributions at these important meetings." said Dr. Peter Fillmore. "The increasingly important contribution Canadian mathematicians have made to research at the international level has been recognized through the decision of the IMU."

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