Madam Speaker, earlier this week, Muslims in Canada and around the world celebrated Eid al-Fitr.
Eid al-Fitr is a festival that follows Ramadan's month after fasting. It is a spiritual celebration of Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala's gift of the strength and endurance that the fasting required. It is also a time to forgive and to seek forgiveness, to reflect on compassion, charity and generosity.
In some countries Eid is a three-day festival, but in Canada it is generally a one-day family holiday, when the community engages in prayers, feasting, family get-togethers, spending time with friends and neighbours, exchanging gifts and helping those who are in need. I want to thank all those who have contributed so much to building our great country and our amazing society. This is a place where everyone is free to celebrate their beliefs and cultures, and their religious practices are respected.