To the National Assembly of the Republic of Senegal

This sign of esteem is an honour for both me and my country. It speaks to the friendship that has been growing between Canada and Senegal for many years - especially through our shared involvement in La Francophonie. It is a friendship marked by respect and which bespeaks - I am convinced - a promising future.

My visit to Senegal is the first leg of a trip that will also take me to Nigeria and then the Commonwealth Summit in South Africa. High on the Summit agenda will be the challenges posed by globalization. We will also address issues like democracy, the rule of law, human rights and conflict prevention.

We already had an opportunity to discuss these questions with Senegal, and our other partners in La Francophonie, during the Moncton Summit at the beginning of the fall.

Several of these themes are in evidence here in Senegal. A nation that is one of the jewels of Africa. A country that stands apart for its practice and promotion of tolerance, as well as respect for diverse cultures.

In this regard, our countries have a lot in common. Like you, Canada is a country of many communities, each with its own origins and its own rich cultural heritage. And as in your country, these communities live in peace and mutual respect. Our traditions of openness and tolerance are precious. But they are also fragile. Preserving them demands constant vigilance and unflagging determination.

We also share parliamentary systems. And as parliamentarians, we also share the same values of transparency, integrity and fairness - values that must guide us as we carry out our responsibilities. We share the same attachment to the principle that government derives its legitimacy from the people's will. The same concern for listening to our citizens and taking into account their views, needs and aspirations when we make our decisions.

Those who wish to understand democracy in Africa, its past and its future, must stay true to the spirit of the words of President Senghor, who shared with the world not only the humanity of Africa, its value and traditions. But also the universal values that today animate your parliamentary deliberations.

Democracy is applied across many different political systems. And President Senghor noted quite rightly that simply importing a fixed set of principles would not respond to the aspirations of Africa. He wanted Africa's own contributions to succeed in, and I quote: "distinguish us from others, express ourselves to others, as well as unite us with the human family and position us within the world."

Mr. Speaker, the African continent has gone through some profound changes in recent years. And this journey has not been without its painful moments. But it is a journey we want to make with Africa. Principally, we want to broaden our commitment beyond the current range of cooperation efforts.

Chief among our concerns are poverty and other aspects of human security. Issues like HIV / AIDS, armed conflicts that threaten civilians and children and numerous other issues that often arise on the African continent, and contribute to impeding its progress.

The members of this Assembly are aware of these obstacles, and are contributing forcefully to solving the problems that are holding back the emancipation of the individual African. For example, you recently adopted measures to ensure that the health and integrity of young Senegalese women are respected, as laid out in the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Mr. Speaker, Canada is sensitive to concerns that rank first in importance to Senegal and all of Africa. Indeed, we have already undertaken commitments on a number of fronts.

At the recent G8 Summit in Cologne, we brought forward a debt reduction plan to aid the world's poorest countries. Under the plan, the international community would reduce the debt and give loans only if a given nation chooses to invest in education and health, rather than weapons.

In this regard, I commend Senegal for the measures it has adopted over the past decade. During this period, you have sought to direct a greater portion of government spending towards universal access to education and basic health care. You have also allocated additional resources to help those most in need develop sustainable means of subsistence. Lastly, you have supported the development of vibrant public institutions, respect for human rights and the rule of law.

The path chosen by Senegal, and other countries, is truly noteworthy. It also deserves to be supported by the international community through the creation of real partnerships between industrialized and developing countries. Together, I am convinced we can take on the fight against poverty and bequeath a better tomorrow to future generations.

Mr. Speaker, the armed conflicts raging in so many regions of the world also have an impact on human security. I would like to take this opportunity to commend Senegal on its tremendous contribution to numerous peacekeeping missions. Our military personnel and police officers have served side by side in many countries, from Haiti to Rwanda, gaining an appreciation for each other's professionalism. Strengthening the ties that unite our two countries.

Mr. Speaker, I have touched on only a few aspects of human security and a handful of ongoing initiatives aimed at strengthening it. But I feel that these examples suffice to demonstrate the need to take action. Because the effects of poverty, disease, terrorism, corruption, environmental degradation and mass movements of refugees are only getting worse throughout the world. And these problems respect no borders.

If we want to meet these challenges, we must equip ourselves with the necessary tools. Above all, we must strengthen international institutions and mechanisms. It is our firm belief that democracy, good governance and respect for human rights can consolidate the security of people, which lies at the heart of our collective concerns.

Mr. Speaker, I mentioned earlier that Canada would like to broaden its relationship with Africa in general, and with Senegal in particular. To this point, I have only talked about our political commitment. I would now like to touch on our economic relations.

Since 1962, Canada has been a partner in Senegal's development. And our relations have reached a greater level of maturity and trust. But we can and we must do more in the economic and commercial areas.

Canada is on the cutting edge of technology in a number of fields, including mineral exploration, transportation, agri-food and high technology. In increasing numbers, our countries' business people are forming strategic alliances and business partnerships. In fact, Canadian firms have a greater presence in Senegal today than ever before.

This morning, I had the pleasure of opening a new turbine installed by Hydro-Québec International. The participation of Hydro-Québec International in the energy production sector marks a turning point in our relations. It symbolizes the confidence we have in your future, and shows the progress that Canadian investment is making in Africa.

Canada offers - in the language that we both share - the best in modern, proven technologies. Hundreds of Senegalese have chosen Canadians colleges and universities to train their children. These assets, and our ability to work together, give us a reservoir of possibilities that it is up to us to use.

Next year, just before the Montreal Conference, that will deal with Africa, we plan to invite to Canada political and business leaders, and representatives of civil society from nine African countries, including Senegal. This project, known as Africa Direct, will raise Canadian awareness of Africa's potential and provide an opportunity to develop partnerships. I feel that this type of initiative will help us deepen our economic ties over the coming years.

Mr. Speaker, Senegal's economic success depends, first and foremost, on the creation of a climate that is favourable to private investment. And the economic reforms undertaken in recent years are most promising. But it also depends on greater African economic integration and the creation of free trade areas on the continent.

We believe that more open borders and a greater pooling of resources would be a boon to the countries of Africa. Indeed, the Canadian International Development Agency has supported a number of regional initiatives in this area.

I would like to close, Mr. Speaker, by saying that our primary aim in everything we do is to benefit future generations. So that they will inherit a better world. A world of more opportunities for more people.

To get there, we need to focus on young people. That is why support for education is one of the major focuses of our cooperation program with Senegal. In our view, over time, universal education is the best way to ensure economic development, job creation, consolidation of the rule of law and political stability. And to give all our children the tools they need to flourish and contribute to our countries' economic and political growth.

Young people represent our greatest challenge, but also our greatest hope. African youth hold the key to success in Africa and Senegal. Canada wants to be a partner in this success. Today, I described certain aspects of the friendship between our countries. A friendship which, I hope, will serve as the basis of a deeper, revitalized partnership between us in the 21st century.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and long live the friendship between Canada and Senegal!