Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to join my colleagues, leaders from across Canada and around the world, and ordinary people everywhere in speaking out against the terrible events that took place in Quebec City on Sunday.
For centuries, the people of the Northwest Territories have had to rely on each other. We know that we are stronger when we stand together than when we stand alone. Respect, tolerance, and diversity are the essential part of the northern character. In fact, that ability to be warm and welcoming is an essential part of what it means to be a Northerner. People from all over the world and every faith have decided to make the Northwest Territories their home, and we are glad and honoured to have them. Exclusion is not and has never been the northern way, nor do I believe is it the Canadian way.
Mr. Speaker, this terrible act of violence carried out in a place of worship strikes at the very heart of what makes us Canadian. The Canada I love does not believe in exclusion. It does not believe in hate. As Canadians, we must continue to speak out against it and we must raise our voices and say, "Not in our Canada, not in our Northwest Territories." During these troubling times, it is important that we reaffirm our commitment to the values of acceptance, compassion, and openness that define us. We need to reach out to all of those that may fear for their safety following Sunday's attack and make sure that they know that they are welcome here, that the Northwest Territories is their home, too.
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleagues for speaking out today. I also want to thank the organizers of the vigil held last night at the Islamic Cultural Centre of Yellowknife. I was pleased to see so many people coming together to support our Muslim brothers and sisters in this difficult time. It confirms my belief that the people of Yellowknife and the Northwest Territories are fundamentally open and welcoming to others, no matter where they come from. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.