CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to speak about the conflict in Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank.

Over a week ago, Canadians woke up to horrifying images coming out of Israel after the terrorist organization Hamas launched an attack of unspeakable brutality.

I want to update on what our government is doing to help and protect affected Canadians, and then I want to talk about the real concerns this situation is causing for people here at home.

For Jewish Canadians, Muslim Canadians, Arab Canadians, and for all Canadians.

Mr. Speaker, among the thousands of people impacted by this violence, five Canadians have been murdered by Hamas terrorists. Three Canadians are missing and may be among those held hostage.

I know that the thoughts of all Parliamentarians and all Canadians are with them and their loved ones.

Canada is calling on Hamas to release all the hostages immediately.

Ten Canadian Armed Forces flights have departed Tel Aviv so far, with approximately 1,300 passengers on board. In addition, the first bus has departed the West Bank and brought Canadians to safety in Jordan.

Global Affairs and our embassies in the region are working tirelessly to contact affected Canadians and provide assistance. And we are closely engaged with our allies and partners to help people depart from Gaza, the West Bank and Israel as safely and as quickly as possible.

We are also deeply concerned by the dire, and worsening, humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Canada is calling for unimpeded humanitarian access and a humanitarian corridor, so that essential aid like food, fuel, and water, can be delivered to civilians in Gaza. It is imperative that this happen.

Since last weekend, I have spoken with leaders from across the region, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, King Abdallah of Jordan, the President of the United Arab Emirates, and today, Egyptian President el-Sisi and the Emir of Qatar. I spoke with them about the release of Canadian hostages and all the hostages, providing humanitarian aid, the assistance needed to ensure the safety of Canadians, and peace and stability in the region.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs was on the ground there this weekend. She is leading our diplomatic efforts – working day and night – and is meeting with Israelis, Palestinians, and other partners in the region.

The Minister of National Defence is working tirelessly to ensure that Canadian Armed Forces evacuation flights are getting as many Canadians out of the region as possible.

And the Minister of International Development is leading conversations with his international counterparts and with aid organizations, making sure essential support is getting to affected people. Canada has committed an initial $10 million in humanitarian assistance to provide essentials like food, water, emergency medical aid, and protection assistance to those affected by the crisis in Gaza, the West Bank, and Israel.

And I want to be clear: none of this aid is going to Hamas.

Hamas is a terrorist organization that slaughtered and brutalized innocent people.

Hamas continues to commit unspeakable atrocities and are trying to instigate further acts of violence against Jewish people.

Let me be clear about Hamas: They are not freedom fighters; They are not a resistance; They are terrorists.

Terrorism is always indefensible, and nothing can justify Hamas’ acts of terror and the killing, maiming, and abduction of civilians.

But let me also be extremely clear that Hamas does not represent the Palestinian people nor their legitimate aspirations.

They do not speak for Muslim or Arab communities. And they do not represent the better futures that Palestinians and their children deserve.

The only thing that they stand for is more suffering for Israeli and Palestinian civilians.

Canada fully supports Israel’s right to defend itself in accordance with international law.

And in Gaza, as elsewhere, international law, including humanitarian law, must be upheld by all.

Even wars have rules.

Canada is, as always, steadfast in our commitment to the rule of law. The rule of law is what we stand up for here in Parliament, what we advocate through diplomacy. And what we’ll always fight for no matter the circumstances.

Here at home, emotions are running high.

This is, in part, because many of these stories are Canadian stories.

Because of our diversity, many of us know someone who has been affected. Or we know someone who knows someone.

I have met with members of the Jewish community who are mourning this tragedy. I heard about young people gunned down at a music festival. About the murder and kidnapping of women and children and the elderly.

Members of the Jewish community told me about friends who died too young, and their fear that loved ones may have been taken hostage.

I have met with leaders from Muslim and Palestinian communities. They told me about how families in Gaza are spreading themselves between homes, to prevent the possibility that they could all be lost in a single moment.

That, from Canada, they worry desperately about their loved ones, but because electricity has been cut off, they have to rely on sporadic, 15-second phone calls to know who is safe.

Their worries aren’t just for people overseas, they worry about people here at home, too.

Across our country, both Jewish parents and Muslim parents are wondering whether their kids are safe at school.

Families are worried about going to places of worship.

Jewish people are wondering if they shouldn’t wear their Star of David or kippah in public.

Muslim and Arab people are worried about being thought of as terrorists, once again.

The list of worries is endless.

And the fear is real.

There are rising instances of anti-Semitism and Islamophobia.

We saw the reports of hate crimes against a Muslim woman in Montréal and at a Hebrew school in Toronto.

And all of our hearts break at the horrifying news that came out of Illinois yesterday.

There are so many people in Canada who are afraid of the escalating tension here at home. Who are scared as they watch horrible things happen to people and places that they love in the Middle East. Who, for years, have lived somewhere between fear and hope – fear that escalation will tear them further apart, and hope that one day peace could finally take root.

We must never forget that diversity is our strength. Canada welcomes people from all backgrounds, proclaiming a multitude of identities.

We are a nation of neighbours, colleagues, friends, and families who embody this diversity, who live it every day.

Now, more than ever, we must come together. We must not let worry, suspicion, and mistrust divide us.

Remember, it’s a short path to walk from mistrusting your neighbour to entrenching division.

A peaceful society does not happen by accident and won’t continue without effort.

We live in a country that upholds freedom of expression, including religious and cultural expression. And every Canadian should feel safe doing so.

This is the right and freedom every Canadian has under our Charter. Canadian liberty is not about taking away the freedoms of others, but living in a way that expands and strengthens freedom for everyone.

Mr. Speaker, as Canadians, we have proven that it is possible to build and define a country on the basis of shared values.

Canada is not defined by a single historical, cultural, religious, ethnic, or other identity, but by our shared values.

We are, once again, at a moment where our shared values are being put to the test. Unrest is being felt in ways big and small. Canadians are deeply worried, no matter their background. That is why we must hold on to our commitment to the idea of this country.

We have been tested before, about what we are and who we are. But the core values of Canada have always been there to guide us. To make us stronger. To bring us together when forces or events try to divide us.

Our diversity is our strength. We can never forget this.

This is a time to reach out and support each other. Ask a friend, family member, or colleague how they’re doing. Reach out to members of a different faith. Offer to listen. Offer to help where you can.

People are not alright so let’s make sure they’re not alone.

As I have said before, the Canadian idea of liberty is inclusive freedom, expansive freedom.

Let’s remember who we are as Canadians, and what we stand for here, and around the world:

Respect for everyone’s rights and freedoms, and the rule of law.

Respect for different languages, ethnicities, and religions.

Respect for human life.

Respect for each other.

Thank you