Mr. Speaker, it was with great pride yesterday that all parties voted unanimously to create a national day of remembrance of the Holocaust. The Holocaust Memorial Day will ensure that Canadians always remember that six million Jews lost their lives.
In 1939, Canada joined the second world war. Over one million Canadians served in uniform, fighting against the Nazi army, fighting against the persecution of innocent people. The Canadian people were shocked by the horrors of the Holocaust and, to this day, we stand up against intolerance and small-mindedness, both at home and in missions abroad.
Next April on Yom Hashoah, the annual day of the Holocaust, Canadians will commemorate the millions of lives lost and reaffirm our nation's commitment to tolerance and justice.