Mr. Speaker, on the eve of the 50th anniversary of the UN and on United Nations Day, as Reform foreign affairs critic I would like to express my support for the values and goals set forth by the original UN charter: collective security, freedom, justice, and human development.
With each passing decade the universality of these values has become more widely accepted and the UN has played a strong part in this evolution. As we all know, Canada has played a pivotal role in the strengthening and development of the United Nations. Through our innovation in the field of peacekeeping, our dedication to the principle of co-operative multilateralism and our unfailing dedication to world peace and human development, Canadians have provided a fine example for the world community to follow.
I especially thank all those Canadians who have had a direct hand in making the United Nations a success. We thank our peacekeepers, past and present, our UN relief workers and all other dedicated Canadians who have worked to promote the principles and the goals of the UN.
A great deal of work remains, however, and the United Nations must certainly reform in order to modernize and prepare for the 21st century. This is work that must progress quickly. Canada should play a leadership role in making sure that greater efficiency, responsiveness, accountability and transparency are achieved in coming years.
The United Nations can be made better. As members of the House we should rededicate ourselves to making it happen. On its 50th anniversary and United Nations Day let us all stand up for the principles we cherish and for which the United Nations has been fighting for 50 years: international peace and security, human rights and justice, and contributing toward the social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom.