Remarks by Liberal Party of Canada Leader Justin Trudeau in the House of Commons

October 23, 2014

October 23, 2014

Check against delivery

Mr. Speaker, I would like to begin by thanking the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Official Opposition for their strong and passionate words.

Yesterday’s events were a shared, national tragedy. It is fitting that we have come together in this place, immediately, to let the world know that Canada’s values are strong, our institutions are resilient, and our people are united.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the victims of yesterday’s tragic events. Corporal Nathan Cirillo was murdered while guarding our nation’s sacred memorial to his own fallen comrades. He was unarmed.

Corporal Cirillo was a hero and a servant. He was also a father. Let us all remember that today there is a little boy who suddenly, tragically, lost his father. Let us pledge to honour his memory.

Corporal Cirillo’s death, like that of Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent earlier this week, was a cold-blooded murder. Both attacks are cowardly and unforgiveable.

Should any other perpetrators or co-conspirators exist, they should be punished with the full force of our laws.

I also extend my deep and sincere gratitude on behalf of the Liberal Party of Canada to the brave women and men who selflessly and courageously came to our aid yesterday. Through them and their actions, we are reminded of the professionalism and dedication so often exhibited by those who protect us. I thank them.

And to our Sergeant-at-Arms, we would like to issue particular thanks. Your heroic actions have been widely lauded – and for good reason.

Kevin, without your courage, a terrible situation would have become much worse. We are in your debt. Canadians are proud of you, and they thank you.

Yesterday’s attack on both our military and our most cherished democratic symbols was designed to frighten us. It was meant to embed within our minds an image of terror. It was meant to make us think differently about our surroundings and fellow citizens.

This was an act designed to have us forget ourselves. Let us instead always remember who we are.

We are a proud democracy, a welcoming and peaceful nation, and a country of open arms, open minds, and open hearts. We are a nation of fairness, justice, and the rule of law. We will not be intimidated into changing that by anybody. Instead, these are the very values and ideals upon which we must rely in the days ahead. It is in our dedication to these principles that we can set an example to the world.

These pillars of our society are an unbreakable foundation. Our continued belief in them will guide us correctly into the future.

Let us also remember what we are up against. The individuals who committed these awful acts are not larger than life. They are not giants. They are not martyrs. That is how they want us to see them, but it is not what they are. Seeing them that way lets the fear they try to perpetuate grow.

Thinking of them in this way affords them credibility when they deserve none. They are criminals, and criminals do not dictate to us how we act as a nation, how we govern ourselves, or how we treat each other. They will not dictate our values.

They will not make the rules about this land we share, and they do not get to change us.

We are aware of the threats we face as a nation. We know, as we have long known, that we are not immune, nor can we guard totally against danger in the future. What we can do is not let these threats define us.

We need answers as to how and why this happened. They will be vital in preventing and helping to prevent any future attacks.

And to our friends and fellow Canadians in the Muslim community, we offer an extended hand. Canadians know that yesterday’s acts were criminal, not religious. They are an abhorrent perversion of their faith. Continued mutual cooperation and respect will prevent the influence of distorted ideology and propaganda masquerading as religion.

Our values may be tested, but have faith that they are strong, our Canadian values. We will walk forward together, never apart.

Those who carried out these attacks wanted to leave us with an image of fear and chaos. Let us remember one of strength and of hope. The image in our collective minds, and shared in our hearts, is one of Canadians helping and protecting Canadians, of passersby trying to save the life of a young man who gave his in service to his country.

That is who we truly are, and that is who we shall continue to be.