Mr. Speaker, a little later today, the Liberals will show their true colours. Indeed, in all likelihood, the Liberal majority will oppose a motion seeking simply to acknowledge the historic facts surrounding the tragic episode of the Acadian deportation.
Some Liberal members have tried to justify the unjustifiable by saying that we would only rehash the past in vain instead of looking positively to the future, but Acadians wish to put these sad events behind them once and for all and fully live the present while looking resolutely toward the future.
It was said that this motion seeks to bring us back on the warpath and that we are out for revenge, when in fact it seeks to establish the foundations for true reconciliation. It was said that its purpose is to rewrite history when it merely asks that history be acknowledged. It was said that it would reopen old wounds when it seeks to heal them.
If the House of Commons refuses to look at our past with serenity, who will do so? If this motion is rejected, it will be a new snub, which will only serve to keep feelings of distrust and bitterness alive.
Therefore, the House must adopt this motion. It is the only fair and honourable thing to do under the circumstances for Acadians and their history.