Mr. Speaker, I am pleased and proud to bring the news to the House that today Canada was elected to serve a two year term on the United Nations Security Council. This will be the sixth time Canada has been so honoured with a security council seat. It is tremendous recognition by the United Nations membership of Canada's longstanding role in promoting peace and security worldwide.
For generations Canada has been an active player through our extensive participation in peacekeeping missions and through our strong support for multilateral institutions.
Canada's involvement in the UN is a reflection of fundamental Canadian values like freedom, equality, democracy, tolerance, negotiation and compromise. We bring our values and convictions to the security council table, but we also bring our willingness to make the tough decisions needed to ensure peace and security around the globe.
The record speaks for itself. The world community values our contribution. A special word of thanks to our Minister of Foreign Affairs, special envoys and those in the diplomatic corps, without whose efforts our bid for this seat might not have been successful.