Statement by Foreign Affairs Minister on Commonwealth Day

March 12, 2018 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement:

“As a proud member of the Commonwealth, Canada works with 52 other countries around the world to advance and uphold democracy, human rights and the rule of law, all enshrined in our Commonwealth Charter. These values are critical for the development and prosperity of the Commonwealth’s member states and the well-being of its 2.4 billion people.

“At the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, hosted this year in the United Kingdom, Canada will further advance priorities that can benefit the diverse countries and peoples that make up the Commonwealth.

“We will advocate for greater respect for the rights of all LGBTQ2 people, so those who discriminate are reminded that human rights are universal and indivisible and apply equally to all.

“We will promote the empowerment of women and girls, whose greater presence in political, economic and social structures has proven to be the most effective way to reduce poverty and build a more inclusive, peaceful and prosperous world.

“We will also speak with a strong voice on other pressing global issues that align with the priorities we have established for our 2018 G7 presidency, including building a more peaceful and secure world; climate change and oceans protection; inclusive economic growth; and the empowerment of youth, who account for 60% of the Commonwealth’s population.

“On this day, we celebrate the diverse cultures, faiths, languages, backgrounds and beliefs of all people in the Commonwealth. We pledge to keep working alongside our partners in the common pursuit of the values we share and a more just and prosperous future for all.”

Associated links

• Canada and the Commonwealth

Contacts

Adam Austen
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
Adam.Austen@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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