Madam Speaker, the last petition I am pleased to table was signed by Vancouver East constituents taking part in and supporting the peace train. They say that peace is central to personal, national and environmental well-being, and note that peace is the only condition that allows non-violent coexistence for this and future generations.
The petitioners say a national peace centre would help balance the two requirements for durable security in Canada: a sound defence and a sophisticated peacemaking, peacebuilding and peacekeeping capacity. They lay out many reasons that a national peace centre would help Canada uphold its commitments to the basics of justice, equality, freedom and well-being for all.
They call on Parliament to establish and fund an independent, integrated Canadian centre for peace and justice as a fundamental part of Canada's increased commitment to defence and security.