Mr. Speaker, rarely does a man embody a country, but Shimon Peres, who passed away last night, was indeed such a man. He was a part of every bit of Israeli history, big or small, since before the nation was founded. President, prime minister, Nobel Prize winner. He was a giant. He was one of the last of Israel's founding generation.
Israel and the rest of the world lost an exceptional human being yesterday, a great statesman who dedicated his life to promoting peace and dialogue. He was a source of inspiration to many people all over the globe, myself included. Through his enduring commitment to the principles of justice and human dignity, he always worked in the best interest of his people.
Canada extends its deepest condolences to Mr. Peres's family and loved ones, as well as the people of Israel.
Let us all join together to commemorate the passing of this exceptional man.