National Holocaust Monument Act
Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to participate in the debate on Bill C-442, sponsored by the member for Edmonton-Sherwood Park. I am honoured because this is a significant presentation to the House and one that ought to be adopted unanimously. In fact, I wish our procedures would allow us to seek the unanimous consent of the House to pass the bill at all stages and ensure that it becomes law immediately.
Canadian Federation of Chabad Lubavitch
Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues in paying tribute to the Canadian Federation of Chabad Lubavitch and its delegation of 100 representatives who are here with us today on Parliament Hill.
Human Rights – Objections to the Prime Minister’s allegations of anti-Semitism
Mr. Speaker, one thing we can agree on in this House is that anti-Semitism must be stopped because it is an attack on all Jews and it is a barometer of hatred against all minorities.
NDP Resolutions on the Middle East
Below are the two ‘Emergency Resolutions’ passed virtually unanimously at last weekend’s NDP policy convention in Quebec City. Indicative of the NDP’s sense of priorities – and to the exclusion of such pressing issues like Darfur, Iran and the spread of AIDS – these resolutions were the two top priority resolutions, amongst six others, sent to the floor for a vote.
Ashkenazi Synagogue
Mr. Speaker, we are all reminded daily of the vigilance required to rid our society of hatred and discrimination. Just this month, in my own constituency, the Ashkenazi Synagogue was vandalized in what may have been an act of anti-Semitism.
Perspective
Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the remarks made by the Minister of Foreign Affairs. As he knows, we have just marked Holocaust Memorial Day
Chuck Duboff
Mr. Speaker, last week in Winnipeg racism once again reared its ugly head. A high school teacher was targeted with a hateful, threatening, anti-Semitic letter. That teacher, Chuck Duboff, did not stay silent. Chuck has never been silent about racism, no matter who the target, and that has earned him the 2006 Manitoba Human Rights Award.
Yvon Charbonneau to be UNESCO Ambassador
Mr. Speaker, I would like to table a petition signed by a number of Canadians who express concern about the appointment of a former MP of this place, Yvon Charbonneau, as Canada’s ambassador to UNESCO. They believe he has made comments that are of concern, that are against the State of Israel and, therefore, need to be dealt with by the Government of Canada.
Holocaust Memorial Day
Mr. Speaker, yesterday was a moment of great historical significance for this country. It was the first ever national Holocaust Memorial Day held on the occasion of Yom ha-Shoah. For me it was a particularly emotional moment to see an idea which had come from the Winnipeg Jewish community actually come to fruition. It became a reality thanks to the work of members of all parties in this house, particularly the member for Charlesbourg—Jacques-Cartier.
