Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on the 2010 Nobel Prize Recipients

December 10, 2010

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement congratulating this year’s Nobel Prize recipients, including detained Nobel Peace Prize winner Liu Xiaobo:
 
“For more than a century, the prestigious Nobel Prizes have been given annually to individuals and organizations who make outstanding contributions in chemistry, physics, literature, peace, economics and medicine. 
 
“I would like to congratulate the remarkable individuals from around the world who are being honoured with their Nobel prizes today.
 
“In particular, I would like to congratulate Liu Xiaobo of China for winning the Nobel Peace Prize.
 
“Mr. Liu shares Canada’s commitment to peace, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law - and should be free to express his views.
 
“While Canada values its strong relationship with China, we will continue to stand up for those denied basic human rights and the freedom of expression.
 
“This year’s Nobel laureates include: U.S. scientist Richard F. Heck and Japanese scientists Ei-ichi Negishi and Akira Suzuki for chemistry; British biologist Robert G. Edwards in medicine; Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov for physics; Mario Vargas Llosa for literature; and Peter A. Diamond, Dale T. Mortensen and Christopher A. Pissarides in economics.”