Mr. Speaker, Canada's merchant navy of World War II is proud of its contribution to a free world and should remain the recipient of the enduring respect of all Canadians.
Canadians must recognize fully that our existence and privileges enjoyed today are due not only to the efforts of our veterans but also to the efforts of their missing comrades around the world.
Few finer examples of Canadian wartime success and magnificent effort can be found than in the annals of the Battle of the Atlantic, where merchant seamen sailed the enemy infested sea in keeping allies supplied in World War II.
Now 55 years hence, three determined seamen, Pope, MacLean and MacArthur, await with resolve for a response to their grievances and hunger strike.
Why, Mr. Minister, are they driven to such dire straits? Please answer their call lest a tragedy occur at the very door of this House.