Debates of the Senate (Hansard)

2nd Session, 40th Parliament,
Volume 146, Issue 50

Tuesday, June 23, 2009
The Honourable Noël A. Kinsella, Speaker

National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism

Hon. Mobina S.B. Jaffer: Honourable senators, today is Canada’s National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism, a day when we reflect as a nation on the scourge of terrorism in all its forms and remember those who had their lives cut short by terrorist violence. It is a day to mourn, a day to extend our empathy to those who have lost loved ones and a day for us to remember why we, as a nation, should remain resolute in opposing terrorism in all its forms.

June 23 also marks the anniversary of the single largest mass murder in Canadian history — the bombing of Air India flight 182. It has been 24 years since the terrible act, but its effects can still be felt in many communities throughout Canada. Children, now adults, who have grown up without parents; husbands and wives who have been forced to live on without their loved ones; parents who lost children — all of them bear the scars of that day every day. I see the scars regularly in the eyes of children, parents and spouses in my province of British Columbia. I can never find the right words to help heal that pain.

I know that honourable senators will join with them in remembering, and hold in your hearts all of those Canadians who have lost their lives or personally felt the devastating effects of terrorism throughout the world.