September 15, 2009
MLA Lee Celebrates International Day of Democracy in Legislature

VICTORIA - Richard T. Lee, MLA for Burnaby North, rose in the Legislature today to speak about the International Day of Democracy.

“Today is the United Nations’ International Day of Democracy,” said Lee. “It’s a time to reflect on how fortunate we are to live in a country with a long and strong commitment to participatory democracy and human rights.

“It’s also a time for us to remember the many millions of people in other countries whose governments do not respect the fundamental rights and freedoms we hold so dear. Specifically for us as parliamentarians, it’s a time to remember the hundreds of democratic leaders in these countries who still suffer arbitrary arrest, lack of due process, detention, torture, and even murder.

“All of these threats have been noted by the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s Human Rights Committee,” said Lee. “The United Nations does a lot of great work to support democracy abroad. The United Nations Development Programme alone provides about $1.4 billion each year to support democratic processes.

“I am proud to say that many British Columbians are involved in these efforts to help other countries to reach the level of freedom and democracy which we already enjoy here.

“Their commitment to the promotion of democracy deserves our highest praise and reminds us that we must never take democracy for granted.

“That is why I am pleased that Elections BC is reaching out to students across B.C., inviting them to create YouTube videos about democracy and to encourage youth participation,” said Lee. “I am also pleased that the Province has proclaimed September 15 as Democracy Day in British Columbia.”

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