Mr. Speaker, the authors of our Charter of Rights and Freedoms understood the importance of protecting fundamental freedoms such as the freedom of conscience and religion; the freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression; and the freedom of association and peaceful assembly.
Across Canada, places of worship, from churches and gurdwaras to mosques, synagogues and temples, serve as vital centres in our communities. They are gathering places that provide hope, a sense of meaning and a place of belonging for many. We owe it to Canadians and our communities to ensure the protection of our freedom to worship in our own way.
Regrettably, over the past 10 years, there has been an alarming increase in incidents of mischief committed against religious property in Canada. The burden of damage should rest not on the shoulders of the victims but instead firmly with those who break the law. By protecting our religious communities, we send a clear message that vandalizing places of worship is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.