Thank you. Madam Speaker, today is United Nations Day and the start of the fifth anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. In Ottawa today, the Prime Minister is participating in an official launch of the anniversary year by delivering a speech which will be the first in a series in the coming year by world leaders on their vision for the future of the United Nations.

The United Nations merged at the end of the Second World War as an institution primarily concerned with international peace and security. Today this organization comprises of 184 member countries, has a much broader mandate including health, education, the environment, international development, human rights and disarmament.

In the coming year, there will be an intensified effort by organizations and governments in Canada to get Canadians thinking about the United Nations. In May 1993, a Canadian committee for the 50th anniversary was struck by the United Nations Association in Canada and the Department of Foreign Affairs to help focus this effort, in the period between October 1994 and December 1995. This committee has been working with federal, provincial, territorial and municipal governments and with the private sector to help deliver a series of high-profile activities over the course of the year which will help Canadians reflect on United Nations' achievements over the past 50 years and to get them thinking about ways to reform the United Nations. The committee is also encouraging the participation of community groups, including schools, youth organizations, associations, churches and women's and multicultural groups.

Madam Speaker, I believe that northerners will want to initiate or get involved in activities in the coming year, and consider the ways in which the United Nations has or can affect their lives in this part of the world, generally. Many aboriginal organizations, for example, have been active in international activities associated with the United Nations in areas such as health, environment, human rights and self-determination, and can share their experiences through the sorts of activities planned for the 50th anniversary year. Thank you.