Mr. Speaker, President Mandela's struggle for human rights and the dignity of national reconciliation in his country remains a source of inspiration for Canadians.
In welcoming Mr. Mandela to our country and bestowing on him the Order of Canada, Canadians will have an opportunity to recognize the exceptional importance of his work and his devotion to human rights and to the well-being of South Africans and of citizens the world over.
Tomorrow, President Mandela will address Parliament.
We will all have the opportunity to hear one of the democratic giants of 20th century.