Mr. Speaker, as parliamentarians, we carry the voices of our communities while carrying our own. Mine is that of a Palestinian Canadian. I am the son of parents who never had a country they could truly call their own until they became Canadian. Growing up, my parents would speak of the immense suffering our people endure, fearing it would be forgotten, but they also spoke of their immense pride in being Canadian.
Only days ago, my parents were once again reminded of that pride. Canada's recognition of Palestine is historic. It affirms that we lead not only in words but in action.
While recognition is not an end in itself, the moment for which generations of Canadians have worked so hard has finally arrived.
A genocide continues to unfold in Gaza. Recognition is not the end of the road, but it is an important affirmation that all peoples deserve to live freely with dignity, self-determination and, above all else, hope. This is Canada.