Mr. Speaker, I wish to bring before the House an important matter requiring the urgent attention of the House of Commons.
Five years have passed since the murder of the 14 women at l'École polytechnique in Montreal yet violence does continue at alarming rates. More than half of all Canadian women will experience in their lifetime at least one incident of violence. Therefore I have put forward the request today for an emergency debate on this issue.
We have to date and this morning certainly acknowledged and given our condolences to the families of the 14 young women who were so sadly and tragically murdered five years ago. However it is incumbent upon this House to show its seriousness in this matter and have a true debate on this issue. The government should hear proposals of members of this House from all parties.
I urge that this motion for an emergency debate be accepted.