Mr. Speaker, every year the people of Lithuania and Lithuanian Canadians gather to celebrate the independence of the land of their heritage. This year on Saturday, February 16, they celebrated the 84th anniversary of the independence of Lithuania and the 748th year of Lithuania's statehood.
Since 1990 when Lithuania reclaimed its independence from the Soviet Union the people of Lithuania have supported with their time, energy and resources Lithuania's efforts to establish democracy within its borders, to develop a free market economy and to build up a national defence system capable of defending Lithuania's democratic way of life.
Canada has always had a very positive relationship with Lithuania. Canada's active Lithuanian Canadian community has also greatly contributed to fostering exchanges and maintaining the friendship between our countries.
I offer my congratulations to President Adamkus, the Lithuanian parliament and people of Lithuanian origin on this momentous occasion.