Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada

June 23, 2009

Prime Minister Stephen Harper made the following statement today to mark the fifth annual National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism:

“Today marks a tragic anniversary for our country. On June 23, 1985, it was dramatically demonstrated that Canada is not immune from terrorist acts.  A bomb on Air India Flight 182 killed all three hundred and twenty nine people aboard, most of them Canadians.  On this day, the 24th anniversary of the event, we pause to remember all Canadians who have lost their lives because of acts of terrorism.

“Canadians need no reminder that the threat of terrorism remains all too real.  Twenty-four Canadians lost their lives in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.  Our hearts go out to those who have lost loved ones to terrorist violence.  It is up to all of us to do everything we can to prevent future attacks against Canadians or our friends and allies.

“Our Government has no greater responsibility than protecting the safety and well-being of Canadians.  That is why we introduced legislation to modernize Canada’s laws, to give our police and intelligence agencies more tools to keep Canadian families safe.

“This is a major reason why the Canadian Forces continue to serve bravely in Afghanistan, so a secure and stable Afghan state can never again be used as a staging base by those who plan future acts of terror.

“Over the past three years, memorial sites have been unveiled in Vancouver, Ottawa and Toronto to honour the Air India victims and all Canadians who have been affected by terrorism.  These memorials commemorate the innocent lives lost, and remind us of the need for continued vigilance against threats of all kinds.  Our Government will always remember the victims of terrorism and their families.

“Even more recently, our Government introduced legislation to allow victims of terrorism to seek redress from the perpetrators, patrons and supporters of terrorism.

“Today is a difficult and emotional day for many Canadian families.  Our thoughts and prayers are with all who have lost loved ones to such senseless and despicable acts.  We will always stand with you.”