Mr. Speaker, yesterday I had the pleasure of tabling in the House the report of the official delegation of observers to the elections in South Africa, a very historic event. I have said and I repeat to the House today that elections are just the first but very critical step for South Africa on the road to democracy.
I am very pleased to announce to the House today that cabinet has made the decision that South Africa is now fully eligible for official development assistance. Through this process we will be looking to see how we can continue to help South Africa grow on the road to democracy.
Today I have pulled together a group of Canadians who have been very involved in South Africa up to now. This symposium of non-government organizations, media, business people and officials from government is trying to find out in particular how we can use official development assistance to help South Africa in its ongoing process of democratic development.