On South Africa Freedom Day, Joyce Murray, MP for Vancouver Quadra and Liberal Critic of Small Business and Tourism made the following statement:
“As a Canadian with deep roots in South Africa, it is my sincere pleasure to wish members of the South African community a Happy Freedom Day. This is a time to honour a great milestone in the history of South Africa, both in democratic and humanitarian terms,” said Ms. Murray.
On 27 April 1994, South Africa held its non-racial election after forty-six years of segregation and oppression under Apartheid rule. On this day, South Africans of all racial backgrounds exercised their universal right to vote in the first election in which the franchise did not depend upon race.
Ms. Murray continued, “My family emigrated from South African to Canada when I was seven years old, to leave behind the tyranny and discrimination of Apartheid. Today, South Africa is an inclusive multi-party democracy, and while many challenges still remain to be overcome, over the past eighteen years much has been accomplished. Our two nations continue to have close ties in a relationship rooted in common values of peace, equality and prosperity. Last week we celebrated the 30th anniversary of Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which in 1994 informed the creation of South Africa’s constitution, enshrining the political, social, and human rights of all South Africans.
“Today we commemorate the freedom of South Africa, and reflect on the implications of this peaceful transition to democracy. Freedom Day is an opportunity for Canadians to recognise and protect the democratic practices and institutions of our country, which are the foundation of a just and free society.”
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For more information contact:
Office of Joyce Murray
613-992-2430
604-664-9220
