A Statement from Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Posted April 27th, 2024 on Niagara At Large
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement marking South Africa’s 30th Freedom Day:
“Thirty years ago today, South Africa began a new chapter. After centuries of colonialism and decades of apartheid, South Africans held their first election open to all voters.
“Now a national holiday in South Africa, Freedom Day is an opportunity to celebrate democracy. It’s also a day to honour the heroes who led the way, including Nelson Mandela – a symbol of anti-apartheid revolution and freedom who showed us that better is possible.
“Only four months after being released, Nelson Mandela came to Canada – a testament to our country’s strong support for South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle.
“Canadians were proud to play a role in helping South Africa draft its first democratic constitution. And in the years that followed, the bond between our countries only grew: President Mandela became the first foreign leader to be named an honorary Companion of the Order of Canada and the first living person to receive honorary Canadian citizenship.
Nelson Mandela’s first visit to Canada in the 1990s with former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney to his right. Unlike then U.S. President Ronald Reagan and then British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, Mulroney championed Mandela’s release from prison after 27 gruelling years and an end to apartheid in South Africa.
“Canada remains a strong partner to South Africa. Our countries work closely on a wide range of shared priorities, including fighting climate change, investing in clean energy, and deepening partnership in science, technology, and innovation. We continue to advance these priorities ahead of 2025, when Canada and South Africa will be hosting the G7 and G20 summits, respectively.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I join South African communities in Canada and around the world in marking this milestone anniversary. Our friendship will only get stronger.
“Happy Freedom Day!”
A Footnote from Doug Draper at Niagara At Large- With the new forces of fascism in the United States and yes, even here in Canada, as well as in other parts of the world now working to deconstruct our systems of democracy, Nelson Mandela’s life should inspire us all to prevent that from happening. If you have not yet read it, spend a little time with Nelson Mandela’s very moving memoir, ‘Long Walk To Freedom’.
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