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June 22nd, 2012

Statement by NDP Deputy Leader Libby Davies on the Air India tragedy of 1985

On June 23, 1985, a total of 331 people lost their lives in the bombing of Air India flight 182, where 280 of the victims were Canadian citizens. On behalf of New Democrats, I want to express our deepest sympathies to the families of the victims.

For too long, some have looked upon the Air India disaster as a foreign tragedy, but it was a Canadian tragedy. It is the worst example of mass murder and terrorism in our country's history. The families, friends and communities of the victims still feel the profound loss of this tragedy; a loss that has had to be relived throughout the lengthy investigation and prosecution process.

I invite all Canadians today to join New Democrats, and all parties, in honouring the memory of the victims of the Air India tragedy. As parliamentarians, we stand with the community and resolve to ensure that these acts of violence are never repeated.