Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on Commonwealth Day

 

March 14, 2011
Ottawa, Ontario

 

Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement today to mark Commonwealth Day:

 

“Today, Canada celebrates a long and rewarding history with our Commonwealth partners around the world. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada – the head of the Organization – remains a symbol of the free association of independent countries. Together, we share mutual goals in the areas of democracy, development, conflict prevention and commerce, as well as a strong record of collaborating to find solutions to global challenges.

“More than 60 years after the rise of the modern Commonwealth, the relationship among its members remains strong. Canada is contributing in various ways – sending observers to partner countries to help monitor democratic elections; sponsoring training to support conflict management, and media access and transparency in hostile environments; and providing leadership at Commonwealth summits aimed at developing a mutual understanding of international issues.

“Our historic links and close Commonwealth ties will again be evident during the upcoming tour of His Royal Highness Prince William and Miss Catherine Middleton in July, and during celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of the accession of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada, in 2012. These tours and celebrations highlight the important legacy of the Commonwealth to Canada and Canadians – providing inspiration to continue a strong role in this valued relationship.”

 

Prime Minister Stephen Harper

 

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The Prime Minister’s Office – Communications

From the Prime Minister’s Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

 

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Prime Minister Stephen Harper & Family

 

Stephen Harper was sworn in as Canada’s 22^nd Prime Minister on February 6, 2006.

 

Mr. Harper was first elected to the House of Commons in 1993 as the Reform Party of Canada Member of Parliament for Calgary West. He stepped down in 1997 to become Vice President (later President) of the National Citizens Coalition, a non-partisan Canadian organization that advocates for individual freedoms and accountable government. In 2002, Mr. Harper won the leadership of the Canadian Alliance, became Leader of the Official Opposition and returned to the House as MP for Calgary Southwest.

In 2003, the members of the Canadian Alliance and Progressive Conservative Party of Canada voted to unite as the new Conservative Party of Canada, and selected Mr. Harper as their first leader.

Under his leadership, the Conservatives gained 25 seats in the 2004 federal election, largely as a result of a major breakthrough in Canada’s most populous province, Ontario. Two years later, Canadians gave Mr. Harper and his party a mandate to form a Conservative government for the first time in 13 years.

In 2008, the Harper-led Conservatives were returned to office with a larger seat count and a mandate to guide Canada through the volatile economic conditions presaging the worst global recession in half a century.

Now in his fourth year as Prime Minister, Mr. Harper and his Government are working hard to ensure Canada’s economic recovery is strong and sustainable. Keeping taxes low, reducing deficits and laying the foundations for long-term prosperity top the Government’s agenda. Mr. Harper is also continuing to advance Canadians’ interests and values on the international stage in a year when Canada is hosting the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, the G8 and G20 summits, and a Royal Tour by Her Majesty Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada.

Stephen Harper was born on April 30, 1959, in Toronto, Ontario. He moved to Alberta in 1978 to work in the petroleum industry and went on to obtain both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in economics from the University of Calgary. Mr. Harper and his wife Laureen have two children, Benjamin and Rachel, and maintain a permanent home in Calgary.