Statement from Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre on Commonwealth Day

The Hon. Pierre Poilievre, Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada and the Official Opposition, released the following statement on Commonwealth Day: 

“Today, we celebrate the Commonwealth of Nations. From Guyana to Ghana to Papua New Guinea, 56 independent and equal countries bring their unique perspectives to this truly international forum. 

“As Canadians, we have always had a special place in this story. Our late head of state, the much-loved Queen Elizabeth II, once said that Canada’s independence in 1867 represented ‘the beginning of that free association of independent states which is now known as the Commonwealth of Nations’. 

“Since then, through the formal establishment of the Commonwealth and beyond, we have played an important role. Perhaps most famously, Prime Minister Brian Mulroney worked with Canada’s Commonwealth partners to impose sanctions on South Africa – pressuring them to end their policy of apartheid.  

“Canada’s Common Sense Conservatives are proud of this legacy, and join in celebrating one of our longest-standing international associations. 

“Happy Commonwealth Day!”