Mr. Speaker, I am happy to have the opportunity to rise on the occasion of Commonwealth Day. Canada has been a proud member of Commonwealth since its inception in 1931. The first secretary-general of the Commonwealth, Arnold Smith, was a Canadian who helped shape the spirit of international co-operation which remains the foundation on which the Commonwealth stands.
Over the years Canada has established a leadership role in the Commonwealth and provided an example for other countries to follow. Today Canada is the second largest financial contributor in the Commonwealth. That, coupled with our lack of a colonial past, should ensure that Canada maintains a guidance role in the organization for the future.
The Commonwealth in the mid-1990s has seen some dramatic changes. First, it was the readmittance of South Africa in 1984 and then the suspension of Nigeria in 1995. I hope that in view of the continuing intransigence of the Nigerian regime the Commonwealth will extend its suspension of Nigeria to outright expulsion.
Canada's current work within the Commonwealth in the fields of democracy, good governance and human rights is a worthwhile attempt to give the Commonwealth the identity it needs, an identity that will serve it into the next millennium.
As Canadians and our governments are attempting to do more with less, it is fitting on Commonwealth Day to examine the value Canada receives from its membership. I call on the minister to provide leadership in the ongoing renewal and review of Canada's membership not only in the Commonwealth but in all multilateral organizations in which we participate.
Canadians as well as the citizens of all Commonwealth member states would be well served by the Minister of Foreign Affairs were he to encourage the organization to examine its financing, goals and practices to ensure all member countries are receiving the greatest possible value for dollar from its activities.
However, this is a day to celebrate the accomplishments of the Commonwealth and look forward to the future. I join with my colleagues in their observance of Commonwealth Day.