Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement on the occasion of Commonwealth Day:

“Today, Canada and its Commonwealth partners celebrate their unique partnership.  We honour the critical role that the Commonwealth has played in our history, and its continued importance as an organization whose member nations share a head of state as well as common values and principles.

“The modern Commonwealth provides an important forum in which the international community can address critical concerns.  At the last Commonwealth heads of government meeting in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, I stressed Canada’s strong support for the Commonwealth’s primary focus of promoting democracy, good governance, human rights and the rule of law.

“To further strengthen Canadians’ knowledge of and pride in this heritage, our Government has decided to mark the 60th anniversary of the accession of Her Majesty the Queen of Canada in 2012.

“Commonwealth Day is also a time to celebrate the accomplishments of the Commonwealth around the world, and for members to reflect on how to deal collectively with some of the global challenges ahead, including the world economic situation, the environment, terrorism, arms proliferation and health.”

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