Thank you, Mr. Chair.
There are times when we see the full importance of political involvement. There is no doubt that the fight for democracy and the defence of human rights is part of that.
Ms. Almas is not with us, but, Ms. Lamizana and Ms. Matviichuk, I am honored to be able to speak today, and I want to take advantage of your presence to express my gratitude and admiration for the work you have done in recent years. I emphasize the word “admiration”, because what you do takes courage.
The march towards justice and democracy is a long-term undertaking, and the road is full of pitfalls. It's a struggle that never really ends, but every victory we manage to achieve deserves to be recognized.
I would therefore like to thank you for being here this afternoon at the sub-committee and to offer you my congratulations in person on behalf of myself and the Bloc Québécois. But above all, and I emphasize this once again, to tell you that what you do is not only important, but necessary, vital and crucial for the groups you protect and represent. Without you, the world would be a worse place. You make the world a better place by improving the fate of the people you defend.
The award you're receiving may be a small thing in your eyes, but for us it's important to award it to you in recognition of all the work that you've done. Let's not forget that you're also becoming role models. When we award this kind of prize, we obviously want to get the word out through the media, to make it public, and, ultimately, there will be young girls and boys who will look to you as role models and who will want to participate in your work. These young people are the future of human rights advocacy because you are leading the way. It's important to do the work you do. As I said, this work is crucial, vital and necessary.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Congratulations once again. Keep going, don't give up. If you need us, the Bloc Québécois, or the parliamentarians who sit in the House of Commons, we will always be by your side.
Thank you so very much.