Mr. Speaker, today, Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists from across Canada and around the world celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights.
Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas symbolize the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. The stories and traditions may vary, but their universal message continues to unite people from all walks of life. This is more important today than ever.
As we continue to see many struggling in our communities and so much darkness and pain around the world, Diwali inspires us all to look forward with hope and optimism. Diwali is particularly special for my family this year, as it will be the first time my two sons, Arvin and Ayvan, will light diyas together, celebrating Ayvan's first Diwali.
I also look forward to celebrating Diwali on Parliament Hill and across our beautiful country with our Conservative leader and our great colleagues. Conservatives will always stand up for our shared values of faith, family and freedom. To all those celebrating, I say happy Diwali.