Mr. Speaker, on March 15, 2019, a terrorist stepped into two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand during Friday prayers. He gunned downed 51 people and injured 49 others, women, men and children. On his weapon, he had the name of the terrorist who shot worshippers right here in Canada at the Quebec City mosque on January 29, 2017.
There is no mistaking that this attack was a result of Islamophobia. The consequence of this hate is families who are mourning their loved ones today and every day.
It should never feel normal to see news about attacks like this, but violent hate crimes seem to be more and more commonplace around the world. In the face of this, we as elected officials need to speak out against hate and work toward a more inclusive Canada. It falls on every one of us not to just send our thoughts and prayers, but to lead with action.