Statement by NDP Foreign Affairs Critic on Nelson Mandela International Day

NDP Foreign Affairs critic Paul Dewar (Ottawa Centre) made the following statement on Nelson Mandela International Day:

“Since 2010, we have been celebrating Nelson Mandela International Day on July 18 – Mandela’s birthday – in order to encourage people around the world to give back and remember how this man devoted his life to serving humanity and promoting peace.

“The Day will have special meaning this year, as this larger-than-life politician left us less than one year ago, leaving the international community and the NDP family in mourning.

“On this special day, New Democrats encourage Canadians to devote their time to giving back in his honour. The UN and the Nelson Mandela Foundation invite all citizens to devote 67 minutes to helping others on July 18, just as Mandela devoted 67 years of his life to promoting peace and protecting human rights.

“Let’s honour his memory and build a world that is more peaceful and just.”