Mr. Speaker, Canada is a country that is home to individuals of diverse faiths, ethnicities and political beliefs, and I am proud to celebrate the cultural richness that those from all over the world bring to our country. We are fortunate to live in a society where we can learn from and enjoy the friendship and company of individuals from a myriad of cultural backgrounds.
Yet Canada is not immune to the conflicts that so often create bad feelings between cultural and religious groups in other parts of the world. At this time as we witness the struggles in the Middle East and elsewhere let us reflect on how vital and special is the harmony we enjoy here in Canada. I hope all Canadians regardless of their backgrounds and political views will continue to guard against intolerance, thus ensuring Canada remains an open society providing acceptance and refuge to all.