September 15, 2014 - Democracy is rooted in the fundamental principle that individuals must have a say in the decisions that affect them. True leadership requires legitimacy, and legitimacy requires justification. Democracy is a justified system of governance as it requires that elected leaders maintain the confidence of the populations to which they administer.
Democracy is necessary for sustainable economic and social development, and is key to the long-term stability and growth of a country. Human rights and fundamental freedoms must be enforced by the proper actors and institutions. A system of democratic self-governance is required to give legitimacy to the actors and institutions that make the rule of law possible.
Democratic societies are sustained by independent actors, a robust civil society and vibrant political parties. They espouse the freedoms of speech and expression, and these freedoms are protected by an independent media. Democratic societies are maintained by accountable institutions, independent judiciaries, impartial electoral bodies and transparent electoral processes.
Canada actively supports the full participation of all members of society. This means the full empowerment of women, youth and minorities in the political, economic and social lives of their communities.
Canada has helped strengthen democratic institutions around the world. Canada has supported Kenya, Ukraine and Indonesia to hold free and legitimate elections. Our government sent more than 300 election observers to Ukraine to ensure transparency in its critical presidential election this past spring. Canada has empowered women to run for and work in elected office in Afghanistan. Canada works directly with parliamentarians across Africa and South America to ensure legislatures are representative of their voters and constituents. We support anticorruption and accountability initiatives to strengthen the rule of law and bring transparency to governance.
Today, on the International Day of Democracy, we recognize the importance of democratic values and principles. Democracy, stability and security elsewhere means greater security and prosperity at home. Freedom of belief and respect for human rights are not universal. The threat of so-called ISIL to religious minorities in the Middle East, and Russian attempts to undermine the democratic will of the Ukrainian people demonstrate that threats to democracy and human rights persist. Our government will continue to stand in solidarity with those fighting for freedom and against oppressive regimes, and Canada will continue to support efforts to give citizens a strong voice in shaping the future of their societies.
Christian Paradis
Minister of International Development and La Francophonie
