Mr. Speaker, the members of the Bloc Quebecois wish to point out that today is the 50th anniversary of the ratification of the UN Charter.
Fifty years ago, delegates from many countries gathered in San Francisco to rebuild international relations on a new foundation. This was no easy task, as all the countries involved had to redefine their approach to issues such as health, the environment, human rights, refugee assistance, and peacekeeping.
On this anniversary, we all feel honoured by the presence in our gallery of peacekeepers who, in recent years, have acted with courage, selflessness and compassion to promote human rights and democracy around the world. Today more than ever, they are playing a crucial role in dealing with the social and political tension and upheaval that prevail in several countries.
On behalf of all members of the Bloc Quebecois, I thank them for their outstanding commitment, that all the people in Quebec and Canada can be proud of.