Mr. Speaker, today I rise in solidarity with the brave people of Iran.
Over the past few weeks, hundreds of thousands of Canadians have joined solidarity rallies across the country, including in Richmond Hill, where tens of thousands have gathered, braving the cold winter storms to stand on the side of freedom.
In recent weeks, tens of thousands of Iranians have been massacred, with many more injured and arrested by a regime that rules through fear: the fear of speaking, assembling and simply being free. Yet despite the executions, the beatings, the blackouts and the bullets, the Iranian people continue to stand. They refuse to be silenced, knowing the cost but believing freedom is worth it.
The regime can shut down the Internet, but it cannot shut down courage. It can imprison demonstrators, but it cannot imprison hope. Yet here at home, the Liberals offer empty words instead of action. The people of Iran are not alone. The world sees them. Canada's Conservatives and Canadians stand with them. Their struggle is just, their sacrifice will not be in vain, and their future belongs to them, not the tyrants.
Today, the world watches. Tomorrow rises a free Iran, an Iran whose future belongs to its people.