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Apr 19, 2004 statement by Bernard Patry on the issue of Anti-Semitism & Intolerance

Statement by Bernard Patry


[April 19, 2004]

Mr. Bernard Patry (Pierrefonds-Dollard, Lib.): [ Patry.B@parl.gc.ca ] Mr. Speaker, I and all Canadians deplore the unspeakable crime perpetrated in early April on the United Talmud Torah School in Montreal.

Hate-motivated behaviour, such as the vandalism at the mosque in Pickering, the arson at a mosque in Mississauga, and all other similar acts aimed at ethic or religious groups, must be denounced unequivocally, as it expresses a total refusal to accept difference.

In a society such as ours, where the respect of rights and freedoms takes precedence over all other values, and where our democratic freedoms are protected by the fundamental values of Canadian society, these unacceptable actions must be unequivocally denounced.

These are attacks on society as a whole, because they imperil the security, quality of life and personal safety of each and every one of us. Those who have been the victims of such attacks deserve the esteem, compassion and affection of us all. Our sorrow at such actions must be expressed.

More than ever, this is a time when we must work at intercultural dialogue and promote the benefits of a multi-ethnic society.