Tom Mulcair statement on attack on Pakistan school

Official Opposition leader Tom Mulcair (Outremont) made the following statement today:

Our hearts go out to the people of Pakistan and to the Pakistani community here in Canada in the wake of today’s shocking attack on a school in Peshawar. The attackers have reportedly killed 132 children and nine staff members. This is an unspeakable horror and Canadians everywhere condemn it in the strongest terms.

As we grieve the loss of these innocent lives, we are reminded that education is a powerful threat to extremism everywhere.

It was just weeks ago that Canada welcomed Malala Yousafzai as an honourary Canadian citizen. We did so in recognition of her courageous work to ensure that education is a right for all children, even in the face of violent threats to her life.

Today, as we come to grips with this horrific act of terror, that work is more vital than ever.

Our deepest condolences to the families and friends of the deceased.