Madam Speaker, the next petition is from Canadians from across the country who want Canadians to be protected against discrimination. Canadians can and do face political discrimination, and it is a fundamental right in Canada to be politically active and vocal. It is in the best interests of Canadian democracy to protect public debate and the exchange of different ideas.
Bill C-257 seeks to add protection against political discrimination to the Canadian Human Rights Act. Therefore, the people who have signed this petition are calling on the House of Commons to support and pass Bill C-257, which would ban discrimination on the basis of political belief or activity, and to defend the rights of Canadians to peacefully express their political opinions.