Mr. Speaker, my city of Belleville is hurting. The good people of my riding, Bay of Quinte, are angry, confused, hurt and looking for answers in the near tragedy that unfolded Sunday at the Sons of Jacob Synagogue, two blocks from my home.
Belleville police Constable Jeff Smith was wounded after an interaction with the gunman. My thoughts are with the Smith family and all members of the Belleville Police Service who were involved and affected by this horrific act of violence.
I wish this heroic officer, Constable Smith, a complete recovery. I want to thank my colleague, the MP for Hastings—Lennox and Addington—Tyendinaga, for our commitment to stand together to support our Jewish and broader Quinte community in this painful time.
Finally, the Jewish families across the Bay of Quinte and the members of the congregation of Sons of Jacob deserve to gather, worship and live openly without fear. There is no place for hatred or anti-Semitism in Belleville or across Canada.