Mr. Speaker, in the aftermath of September 11, Canadians banded together to implore their fellow citizens to refrain from committing acts of violence against members of the Muslim community. Six months later, I am saddened that I must rise again to condemn recent acts of hatred against members of both the Muslim and Jewish communities across Canada and in my own riding.
These deplorable acts undermine our national values of tolerance and understanding. Canada is known throughout the world as a place where people of diverse backgrounds coexist peacefully and indeed are enriched by the varied cultures which surround them.
Canadians must set an example for the world, that it is possible for people of any nation to live side by side, peacefully and without fear. Canadians are proud of our multicultural heritage and there has never been a better time to embrace our diversity and with it our strength as a nation.