Mr. Speaker, yesterday residents in my riding of Dartmouth--Cole Harbour awoke to the shocking news that our community had been desecrated by racist graffiti aimed at Lebanese Canadians. These remarks reflect neither the opinions of the vast majority of citizens in our community nor those of communities across Canada.
Lebanese Canadians have contributed enormously to the growth and betterment of Dartmouth--Cole Harbour. In every way imaginable, business, education, health and culture, Lebanese Nova Scotians like the Chedrawes, Khourys, Haddads, Habibs, Fares, Karems, Toulaneys and others have contributed in countless ways to building our common community.
I strongly condemn this racist graffiti which does not in any way represent Canadian values. They represent hate and ignorance, nothing more.
These events, as unfortunate as they are, remind us that we must continue to do more to understand one another and to have the wisdom to embrace our diversity.
Canada was the first country to officially adopt multiculturalism as a national principle. It defines us as a people who believe in celebrating those things that bring us together, not those things that drive us apart.