November 15, 2007 (6:45 p.m. EST)
No. 161

The Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement on the presidential inauguration in Sierra Leone:

“Canada is encouraged by the recent free and fair elections held in Sierra Leone. We commend the results of these elections and the peaceful transition of power to the former opposition party,” said Minister Bernier.

Canada contributed to both the recent legislative and presidential elections through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives, which promoted voters’ rights and responsibilities, particularly to women. The Canadian government also contributed through the National Elections Watch, a coalition of more than 50 non-governmental organizations focused on monitoring all stages of the elections.

"These elections represent another step toward the political stability of Sierra Leone and the consolidation of its democratic development. Canada's support for Sierra Leone's elections are fully in keeping with our efforts to promote our values of freedom, democracy, human rights and rule of law," added Minister Bernier.

Representing the Government of Canada, Senator Raynell Andreychuk attended the inauguration of the newly elected President of Sierra Leone, Ernest Bai Koroma.

Since the end of the war in 2002, Canada has been a key supporter of the Special Court for Sierra Leone. Canada has contributed $5.2 million to the Court since 2002 and approximately $1 million a year of in-kind contributions in the form of legal expertise and investigations training.

Eleven Canadian soldiers are also serving with the UK-led International Military Advisory Training Team, which is providing training to the reformed Sierra Leone Army. Canadian soldiers have been part of the Training Team since its establishment in 2000.

Sierra Leone is one of the two countries currently on the agenda of the UN Peace Building Commission. Canada strongly supports the Commission and has contributed $20 million to the UN Peacebuilding Fund.

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