Mr. Speaker, today is the third anniversary of the kidnapping of Ingrid Betancourt, senator and former presidential candidate in Colombia. This woman of courage and conviction is a source of inspiration and hope to all those who aspire to live in a peaceful and open world.
Ingrid Betancourt risked her life and family to challenge the corruption and violence that plague her country, where more than 4,200 citizens are being held or arbitrarily denied their freedom.
In the name of these democratic values that are so dear to us, I again urge the federal government to pressure the Colombian authorities to use a peaceful approach in settling this conflict. A humanitarian accord, the first step in freeing all the detainees, is the only acceptable choice.
I call on all hon. members in this House to do something significant in order to ensure that this anniversary is the last. If everyone works together, peace, justice and freedom will triumph.