Debates of the Senate (Hansard)

2nd Session, 39th Parliament,
Volume 144, December 14

Friday, December 14, 2007
The Honourable Noël A. Kinsella, Speaker

Violence Against Girls

Hon. Mobina S. B. Jaffer: Honourable senators, I rise today to speak of the savage murder of an innocent child or young girl in Toronto, who wanted to live a life like any other Canadian girl. I know we all strongly condemn violence against our Canadian girls, or any girls in the world.

Honourable senators, sadly, there are many young girls like her who are struggling to integrate. Today, as we prepare for the holiday season, I ask that you give some thought to these girls. Many girls in our country like this girl who was murdered are struggling to be fully integrated into our great Canadian society.

I also ask all honourable senators to work together in the new year to find ways to provide resources to these young girls so that they truly integrate into our society. After all, honourable senators, these are our young girls, our Canadian girls.

Yesterday, I celebrated Khushali, my religious holiday, the birthday of my spiritual leader, the Aga Khan. I wish all Ismaili Muslims Happy Khushali.

I also take this opportunity to wish all of you, my colleagues, Merry Christmas and happy holidays, and I want to thank all the people who make our work possible in the Senate and also wish them Merry Christmas and happy holidays.