Mr. Speaker, as you know, I am a Quebecer born in Chile, a country I love with all my heart, and which lived under a long military dictatorship until 1989, when Patricio Aylwin was democratically elected president.
His mandate will end on March 11 when he will be replaced by Eduardo Frei, who was elected last December.
Every nation in the world has been invited to send a delegation to the ceremonies marking this handing over of office. More than 20 heads of state have already confirmed that they will attend this major event.
Chile is particularly important for Quebec and Canada.
It is therefore desirable for Canada to send a ministerial delegation to represent our country on March 11. I strongly urge the government to do so.