Mr. Speaker, in the aftermath of the events that occurred in Val-d'Or in October 2015, I am pleased today to inform you that the Val-d'Or Declaration was signed on December 15, 2015. The declaration is the product of countless intense meetings initiated by the mayor of Val-d'Or, Pierre Corbeil, with the valuable and necessary collaboration of a number of aboriginal leaders and socio-economic stakeholders.
The declaration seeks to acknowledge that problems of discrimination and racism exist in the municipality. It seeks to openly denounce violence in all forms and, finally, it expresses an intent to improve relations between the nations so that our peoples may live in peace and harmony.
In closing, with a view to a historic renewal, like Mr. Corbeil, I invite every Canadian municipality to join the Canadian Coalition of Municipalities against Racism and Discrimination. At this time of reconciliation, this is a gesture that deserves to be applauded and emulated.