Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House today to recognize the eighth anniversary of the tragic Armenian earthquake on December 7, 1988. On that day over 25,000 lives were lost and hundreds of thousands of people were left homeless and injured.
The Armenian people will always remember the response of the Canadian government to this horrible tragedy. Over $6 million in aid was provided by the government to the people of Armenia and an additional $2.5 million in humanitarian relief was raised by Canadians.
On Sunday I will join Canadians of Armenian origin and Armenians everywhere in church services to mourn the loss of family members and friends. I urge my fellow members to reflect on this horrible tragedy and join with me in this commemoration.