Mr. Speaker, yesterday in this House we remembered the fifth anniversary of the tragic death of 14 young women at l'École polytechnique in Montreal. We strongly emphasized the need to end violence against women.
All violence is an assault on the sanctity of human life and the thief of personal dignity. Whether this violence occurs in the home or on the street, whether it is directed at men, women or children, it abuses the soul and violates the body.
Human beings have the potential for immense noble acts while at the same time we can be immensely cruel. By a single word we can make our neighbour feel like a king or a pauper. By a single act we can create life or destroy it.
I call upon all members of this honourable House to enhance their efforts to end not only violence against women but violence against all people.