MESSAGE FROM PRIME MINISTER HARPER TO MARK COMMONWEALTH DAY

March 10, 2008

OTTAWA – Prime Minister Stephen Harper today made the following statement to mark Commonwealth Day:

"Canada is proud to reaffirm its commitment to the Commonwealth on this day. The Commonwealth brings together a diverse family of nations who are united through a common tradition and commitment to democratic principles and values.

Canada values its membership in the Commonwealth because it provides opportunities to work with 52 member countries, representing 30 per cent of the world's population -- from a broad range of faiths, races, cultures and traditions -- to enhance understanding and promote practical cooperation in dealing with global challenges, notably under its twin pillars of democracy and development.

Canada particularly values the Commonwealth's work with member states to build relevant and accountable democratic practices and institutions, whether through the quiet diplomacy work of its Office of the Secretary-General or through its mechanisms such as the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group.

It is fitting that the Commonwealth has selected the theme ‘The Environment: Our Future’ for this year’s Commonwealth Day. At last fall’s Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Kampala, Uganda, leaders agreed to a substantive statement on climate change. The statement encourages member countries to work towards an agreement on collective, comprehensive and global action through the work of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

We look forward to continuing our work with our Commonwealth partners in upholding the Commonwealth’s core values in the pursuit of democracy, good governance, human rights and the rule of law."