Canada joins International IDEA

Press Release: 

Canada joins International IDEA

Stockholm, 21 January 1998 -- Canada has become a new member of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA).
"IDEA has proven itself to be a credible and effective organization, with a unique ability to combine research with practical assistance," said Mr Lloyd Axworthy, Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister.

"Joining IDEA provides Canada with a valuable opportunity for building coalitions with other countries to co-ordinate our activities in support of democratic development and electoral assistance."

The Stockholm-based International IDEA is an international organization founded in 1995 to promote and advance democracy world-wide. It brings together governments and international non-governmental organizations in the only international organization devoted exclusively to democratization.

Diane Marleau, Minister for International Co-operation and Minister responsible for La Francophonie, added that "Canada’s involvement with IDEA highlights the importance we place on building alliances. It will also enhance our role as a member of a global network encouraging electoral and democratic development and, in the process, will help support activities to prevent and resolve conflicts in troubled corners of the world."

Mr Bengt Säve-Söderbergh, Secretary-General of IDEA travels to Ottawa tomorrow on an official two-day visit. He will meet with Mr Axworthy on Friday and participate in a signing ceremony to confirm Canada’s membership.

Mr Säve-Söderbergh will also meet with officials from Elections Canada, the Canadian International Development Agency, and the International Development Research Centre.

"We are very pleased to welcome Canada as a member of International IDEA," says Mr Säve-Söderbergh. "In addition to being a dynamic democracy, Canada has a strong record in peace-building and in assisting new, emerging democracies around the world to improve the organization of their elections and build democratic institutions."

International IDEA (International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance) was founded in February 1995. The Institute’s overall objective is to promote and advance sustainable democracy world-wide and to improve and consolidate electoral processes. To date, Members are Australia, Barbados, Belgium, Botswana,Canada,Chile, Costa Rica, Denmark, Finland, India, Namibia, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, the Inter-American Institute of Human Rights, the International Federation of Journalists, the International Press Institute, and Parliamentarians for Global Action. The Institute also has co-operative agreements with the International Commission of Jurists, the Inter-Parliamentary Union, and the United Nations Development Programme. Switzerland also contributes to the work of the Institute.