On June 23, 1985 we were shocked to hear reports of an explosion onboard a plane travelling from Canada to the UK. That despicable terrorist attack on Air India Flight 182 claimed 329 innocent lives, including 280 Canadians, and it left our country grieving alongside the friends and family of those lost.
Today, on the National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism, we remember those lost, and every Canadian whose life has been tragically cut short by a terrorist attack.
We have lost many – too many – of our brothers, sisters, parents and children to acts of terror and terrorism before and since that terrible day. At home and abroad, there remain those who seek to commit acts of violence to divide us, to make us fearful and sow discord among us. Their motivation and their goal is hatred.
But without fail, our values – which they hope we abandon – fortify us instead. We find solace and strength in love and compassion, in unity and inclusion. Without fail, we come together to mourn, to grieve, and together we push forward. When the world burns, we look to those who run into the fire.
Extremism remains a threat in both the physical and online worlds and Ontario is not immune. We will and we must remain vigilant, always, in our fight against hatred.
Today, on behalf of the Ontario Liberal Party, I extend my condolences to all Ontarians who have lost loved ones to terror and extremist violence. I also extend my sincere gratitude to all of those who work to keep us safe: our men and women in uniform, first responders and law enforcement professionals who protect us, especially during this difficult time.