Mr. Speaker, it is with deep regret that I inform this House of the death of Mr. Tara Singh Hayer who was assassinated last night in my community of Surrey North.
Mr. Hayer, a prominent Sikh leader, published the Indo-Canadian Times newspaper and was well known for his views against militancy.
This courageous man's freedom of speech and his freedom to publish his moderate views were continually being challenged by threats and attacks on his person.
In 1988 he was shot at his newspaper office, resulting in his confinement to a wheelchair. He has now been silenced.
I urge this government to provide all appropriate means of support to local authorities to ensure his killer is brought to justice swiftly. A sense of security and faith must be restored to the citizens of my community.
Mr. Hayer was a man with the courage to give voice to his convictions and for that he paid the ultimate price.
On behalf of myself, my family and the constituents of Surrey North, I extend my deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Tara Singh Hayer.