Mr. Speaker, I rise today to draw attention to the persecution of Coptic Christians who populated Egypt for thousands of years.
The Christian population of Egypt is estimated at between 6% and 14%, and over 90% of those Christians are members of the Coptic Church, yet only 1% of the seats in the People's Assembly are held by Christians.
These Orthodox Christians are routinely persecuted by radical and extremist groups. At times, even local authorities are reported to have carried out this persecution.
It is not the official policy of the Egyptian government to persecute Christians, but it is not doing anything to prevent it.
I congratulate Canada's immigration minister for his acts to protect Arab Christians from persecution in that part of the world.
The Egyptian constitution provides for freedom of belief and practice. I ask that the Egyptian government start to respect that principle.