Mr. Speaker, over the past month and a half, the world has witnessed a human tragedy that few could have imagined happening at the dawn of the new millennium. A systematic ethnic cleansing has been taking place in Kosovo. It has turned children, women and the elderly into refugees overnight. Hopes and aspirations have been chattered. Why? To satisfy a dictator's political ambitions.
Today I rise as a proud Canadian, proud that my country has risen to the occasion and has offered food, security and shelter to those currently exiled to refugee camps. Tomorrow, Canada welcomes the first of the 5,000 refugees from Kosovo. These suffering people will be given safe haven in Canada while our brave soldiers fight to regain their homes.
To the refugees, I would like to extend, on behalf of the official opposition, a welcome to Canada. We pray that peace returns to their homeland so that they may return and rebuild their lives. Bienvenue au Canada.