Mr. Speaker, yesterday, I attended the commemoration ceremony for the Battle of the Atlantic in Windsor, alongside veterans, cadets and members of the HMCS Hunter. Young men sailed into danger so Canada could remain free, democratic and sovereign. All Canadians are united by a belief in what this country represents: democracy, the rule of law, accountability and the promise of a better future. Even new Canadians deeply understand the sacrifices made to preserve those values.
What we see today is young people facing a jobs crisis, food bank use exploding and seniors worrying about health care and affordability. We see a government drifting from crisis to crisis without a compass. The young Canadians we honoured yesterday sacrificed themselves at the altar of democracy itself. If we will not defend democratic principles here in this place, then where are we going to honour the legacy of those brave souls?
The generation that crossed the Atlantic under fire did so out of a sense of duty for King and country. After 11 years of Liberal rule, Canadians are still waiting for that leadership.