Mr. Speaker, May 5 marks the 65th anniversary of the founding of the Council of Europe. Promoting democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, as well as co-operation among its member states in the aftermath of World War II has long been its goal, and each year it continues to show its strength in that regard.
As an observer, Canada participates in its activities on a regular basis. I have just returned from leading a delegation of the Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association where members and senators took part in discussions on the ongoing situation in Ukraine and Russia, something I know we are all deeply concerned about.
The council continues to allow Canada to advance positions on key issues in international affairs. We exchange ideas on important matters in human rights, democracy, and rule of law, for example, the role prostitution laws can play in addressing human trafficking.
As president of the Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association, I congratulate the Council of Europe on 65 years of important and critical work.