Mr. Speaker, 2007 marks 45 years since Canada established diplomatic ties with the then newly independent country of Jamaica.
On behalf of the Canada-Caribbean Parliamentary Friendship Group, members of the official opposition and all Canadians, I welcome the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, and Her Excellency, the High Commissioner for Jamaica who are visiting with us today.
I also want to extend our thanks for their country's ongoing commitment to sustaining effective relationships with Canada, for upholding the ideals of democracy and good governance, and for helping to build Canada's economic, political and social prosperity through the many individuals and families of Jamaican descent who now make Canada their home.
May our diplomatic, trading, economic and other relationships continue to nurture our mutual growth and strength in the 21st century and beyond.