Mr. Speaker, in Canada we enjoy freedom of speech, freedom of expression and freedom of the press.
The media's role is to report the news in a fair manner. Canadians do not believe everything they read. The media is under close public scrutiny. The pen is mightier than the sword, but is the pen mightier than the bullet?
One year ago, Tara Singh Hayer, the editor of Indo-Canadian Times newspaper, was murdered execution style with a bullet. Mr. Hayer was the recipient of the Order of B.C. After serving the Indian army, years ago he migrated to Canada.
His editorials were controversial. No matter how many people disagreed with him at times, every one agrees that he was entitled to his views. He exercised our right to freedom of expression and paid the ultimate price.
I urge all members of the House and Canadians to condemn such cowardly acts of violence.