Madam Speaker, it is a privilege to table e-petition 5126, which has over a thousand signatures. It is particularly timely given that the Peace Train is arriving in Ottawa tomorrow, and many of its riders are signatories to this petition.
The petitioners are calling on the Government of Canada to establish and fund a centre of excellence for peace and justice focused on research, education and training in conflict resolution, diplomacy and peace operations for Canadian civilians, police, military personnel and the international community. They highlight that with the closing of the Pearson Peacekeeping Centre, Canada has lost an important civilian-led, independent, institutional structure that supported effective research policy and training in peace operations and conflict resolution. They note that an open society and an informed public in Parliament is essential for the understanding of complex issues of violent conflict and for achieving lasting peace and disarmament; that the lack of universal respect for observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms is the underlying cause of violent conflict; and that upholding the basics of justice, equality, freedom, security and well-being for all is essential in preventing conflict in war and for Canada's own security and stability.
The petitioners also highlight that Canada signed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, pledging itself to achieve co-operation with the United Nations on the promotion of universal respect and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Last, the petitioners note that Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission and Canada's adoption of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples reflect our commitment to the principles of justice, equality and freedom.