Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address this House concerning an event that has dominated the hearts and minds of Canadians since the early hours of January 8. I refer to the downing of flight PS752 and the loss of 176 lives, including 57 Canadian citizens and 29 permanent residents.
Just saying these numbers brings to mind the pictures of all who died on that fateful day, and the many family members and loved ones who have been left behind. Their loss is a loss shared by our whole country. I want the families and loved ones who have lost so much to know that their grief is our grief, and we will be there to support them today, tomorrow and for as long as they need us.
On behalf of the Iranian Canadian community, I want to extend to the Prime Minister our heartfelt and sincere thanks for his strong leadership on this file and for the commitment of time he made to reach out and support the families.
In closing, I call on this House to join me in holding Iran fully responsible for this tragedy. I call for full transparency, accountability, compensation and justice for the families of the victims.