Mr. Speaker, I rise today to condemn a senseless act of violence in my riding of Brampton--Springdale. Early last Friday morning the Brampton fire department responded to an alarm at the Coptic Orthodox Christian Church of Archangel Michael and St. Tekla. A fire bomb was thrown through a window of the church basement. This has damaged floors, walls and furniture and there is further damage from the excessive smoke.
This was a shameless act of bigotry that must be unequivocally condemned. Freedom of assembly and freedom of religion are fundamental values that make Canada a strong and free nation.
I ask that all hon. members join me today in standing with the Coptic Orthodox Christian community in Brampton and all those affected by this disgusting act of vandalism. May those who perpetrated this shameful act be brought to justice.