Mr. Speaker, on May 7, the Constitutional Court of Thailand convicted democratically elected Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra of abuse of power. The decision made by Thailand's Constitutional Court has resulted in the removal of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and nine members of the caretaker government.
Canada, as a friend of Thailand, wants to see a free, peaceful, and democratic Thailand. We therefore call upon all parties to show restraint. As our foreign affairs minister stated, we urge all Thais to work together to resolve their differences. Our government is calling for the forthcoming election to take place peacefully, with the broadest possible participation, in accordance with the Thai constitution and in keeping with democratic principles and the rule of law.
We wish the people of Thailand our best wishes.