Mr. Speaker, as the first member of parliament of Latvian heritage it is with great pride that I rise today to congratulate the people of Latvia and all Latvian Canadians on the 81st anniversary of Latvia's declaration of independence.
Latvia has surmounted many challenges since November 18, 1918, but the Latvian people have retained their national identity and distinct culture despite years of foreign occupation. Their example shows how a small country can retain its sovereignty through an undaunting desire for freedom combined with the strength to endure even when occupied by another power. Independance was regained on August 21, 1991.
Last November I led the first Baltic express trade mission to Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. The trade mission was very successful, but more important, it demonstrated our commitment to boosting trade and investment between Canada and the Baltic region.
As Latvia celebrates the proclamation of independence 81 years ago, it has good reason to look forward with hope that the next century will bring a better life to its people.