Mr. Speaker, on this first day of Parliament, I rise to recognize the tragic event that occurred on January 8: the downing of Ukraine Airlines flight 752 over Tehran. My riding of Willowdale joins many other ridings across our great country that have been grieving the loss of innocent lives. This event has struck at the heart and soul of our nation, because in every passenger we saw ourselves, our parents, our grandparents, a friend or maybe a neighbour. We have mourned deeply as a country because they were us, and we are lesser as a country without them enriching every facet of Canadian life.
The outpouring of support from friends and strangers alike, of all faiths and communities, has been overwhelming. It reminds us why Canada is the best country in the world. Indeed, we have experienced Canada and Canadians at their very compassionate best.
All those who have lost loved ones should know that their country shares their grief.