Fletcher pays tribute to Australia's fallen

August 16, 2009

CANBERRA - Steven Fletcher paid tribute to Australia's fallen soldiers today.  The Charleswood-St. James- Assiniboia MP laid a wreath at Australia's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Canberra.

"Australia has been one of Canada's greatest allies in peace and in war," said Fletcher. "It is a great privilege to have the opportunity to honour Australia's fallen heroes, some of whom were prisoner of war with my grandfather in Southeast Asia."

Fletcher, who is Canada's Minister of State for Democratic Reform, is in Australia and New Zealand for four days of meetings with legislators and government officials. He will be learning more about their experiences with Senate and electoral reform as well as their work supporting developing democracies.

"Australia and New Zealand are international leaders in reforming their government institutions," said Fletcher.  "Canada can learn a great deal from their experience."

Australia has reformed its Senate, making it an elected institution while New Zealand has abolished its Upper House. Both use voting systems that are different from what is used in Canada.