Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the memory of the 14 female engineering students who were brutally murdered in Montreal on this day in 1989. I would like to extend the condolences of the people of Provencher to the families and friends of these women.
As a father of a young woman who is also an engineering student, the Montreal massacre is a very personal reminder to me that our society must continue to condemn those who advocate hate and intolerance.
Last year in Provencher I attended a memorial service in honour of these 14 women which was sponsored by Agape House, the women's shelter in Steinbach. I would like to congratulate the dedicated staff of Agape House and the volunteers who have again organized the memorial this year. The mayor of Steinbach, Les Magnussen, and the city council should also be recognized for their steadfast support in honouring these women.