Mr. Speaker, on October 28 Ukrainians will have a chance to exercise their deeply cherished democratic rights by participating in parliamentary elections. Ensuring that these elections are fair, free and reflective of the people's will is an important test at a critical juncture in Ukraine's journey toward true democracy and greater prosperity. Canada is providing some 500 election observers to monitor this vote.
Given mounting concerns over the deterioration of democratic conditions in Ukraine in the lead up to these elections, Canada is joining other freedom-loving nations to assess the fairness and transparency of the elections on the ground. Our Conservative government is committed to doing its part to help strengthen democracy in Ukraine and will continue to stand with the Ukrainian people as they exercise their will.
Canadians can count on our government to continue championing the Canadian values of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law around the world.