Mr. Speaker, the violence in the Middle East has escalated and civilians continue to lose their lives. I deplore war and violence and call on Canada and the United States, and the international community, to accelerate their active roles to provide a safe environment for the peace process to continue.
It must be a peace that is just, comprehensive and lasting, and that can guarantee the right of both people to live in harmony, safety and security. The continuation of violence and terror can only result in the loss of more innocent lives.
We are fortunate in Canada to live in a society that protects the rights of individuals to live without discrimination based on religion or place of origin. I deplore the acts of hate against Muslim institutions after September 11. I also deplore the recent acts of hate against the Jewish community centre and temple in my community. These types of acts are meant to undermine our Canadian values.
I call on all community and spiritual leaders and on our law enforcement officers to be proactive and vigilant. I join with my colleagues in calling for an immediate ceasefire and a resumption of peace talks in the Middle East.