Mr. Speaker, many Canadians are currently celebrating the lunar new year, a celebration of family and togetherness, marking good fortune during this Year of the Rat. I would like to extend these wishes of health and prosperity to all.
However, during this time, we must also take a moment to remember and honour the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.
In 2014, I visited the place of unimaginable suffering, and I am still affected by this experience. I mourn the victims of this tragedy and I encourage Canadians to be conscious of other human rights abuses taking place globally.
In Canada, we are safe, free to celebrate the diversity of our cultures, our faiths and appreciate our differences. Many abroad are unable to do so and it is our duty to serve as the global example of multiculturalism.
In this time of celebration and remembrance, I encourage others to be conscious of such simple freedoms as well.