Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and gratitude that I welcome two special guests to Ottawa.
Dr. Homa Hoodfar, a retired Concordia University professor, has recently returned home after being detained in Iran. Her story has touched a chord with Canadians, and rallied them to action. The grace and strength that Dr. Hoodfar exhibited during her ordeal is inspiring.
She is joined today by her niece Amanda Ghahremani, who championed her aunt's cause with thoughtful and unrelenting determination.
On behalf of Homa and Amanda, I want to take this opportunity to thank our officials, our Minister of Foreign Affairs, our Prime Minister, and all MPs who raised her case.
I also want to thank Italy, Oman, and Switzerland for playing a constructive role in her release.
It has been my honour to get to know both Homa and Amanda. Dr. Hoodfar, welcome back home.