Mr. Speaker, on October 24 and 25, 2006, the government of Fiji will be hosting the 37th session of the Pacific Islands Forum in Nadi.
This important gathering brings together leaders of the Pacific nations to address a range of issues of common concern, including environmental issues, economic underdevelopment, promotion of democracy, and anti-money laundering.
Fiji will be hosting the Pacific Islands Forum at a time of renewed hope in the country. The recent democratic elections are ensuring the participation of different stakeholders in Fiji's political life. Local parties and ethnic communities, indigenous and Indian, are working together to build a Fiji that is democratic, tolerant and prosperous.
As one of Fiji's partners in the Post-Forum Dialogue of the Pacific Islands Forum and the Commonwealth, Canada encourages the continued strengthening of democracy in Fiji.