Hon. Irwin Cotler (Mount Royal, Lib.) CotleI@parl.gc.ca
 
moved for leave to introduce Bill C-483, An Act to amend the State Immunity Act (genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes or torture).
 
He said: Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to table the Redress for Victims of International Crimes Act, which amends the State Immunity Act, in support of the foundational principle that victims of torture and heinous international crimes deserve a right of redress against their criminal perpetrators.
 
At present the exercise of such foundational rights is precluded by the operation of the State Immunity Act, which immunizes foreign states and their officials from civil suit.
 
This legislation, the first of its kind ever, will allow Canadian victims to sue the perpetrators of international crimes in Canadian courts. Simply put, our present legislation criminalizes torture, war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide, the most heinous acts known to humankind, but does not allow for a civil remedy for the victims of such horrific acts.
 
Accordingly, this legislation will address the evils of such international crimes that are now shielded by Canadian law, target the impunity of those states and officials that perpetrate these crimes, remove the state immunity that operates to shield the perpetrators of such crimes, and allow Canadian victims to secure justice while holding their perpetrators accountable.
 
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)
 

Mr. Mario Silva (Davenport, Lib.): SilvaM@parl.gc.ca
 
Mr. Speaker, one year ago today, we joined with people across the world in horror as we watched what was to be two days of terrorist actions in the Indian city of Mumbai.
 
Like so many other such assaults upon humanity, these terrorist attacks served to remind us of the terrible hatred and extremism that still exists in our world today. Those innocent people who lost their lives in Mumbai will live on in our memories forever.
 
Anyone doing these deeds can never win however, because in the end good people always triumph over evil.
 
As Mahatma Gandhi once said, “You must never despair of human nature”. The world is full of good.
 
We in Canada join with our brothers and sisters in India in commemorating this dark day, but more important, we remember those who left us and whose light will continue to shine forever.
 
Our resolve will never falter as we join good and decent people everywhere in resisting hatred, intolerance and destruction in our world.
 

Ms. Libby Davies (Vancouver East, NDP): DavieL@parl.gc.ca 
   
Mr. Speaker, I am honoured that the report of the parliamentary delegation to the West Bank and Gaza this past August has been presented.
 
It was a significant and compelling experience, and I am committed to raising awareness about the worsening humanitarian disaster in Gaza and the need to end the blockade, normalize borders and end the occupation of Palestinian lands.
 
I am deeply concerned that the Conservative government has so politicized the situation in the Middle East and has gone so far as to attack MPs and organizations who criticize the actions of Israel as being anti-Semitic. Let us be clear. Anti-Semitism has no place in Canada.
 
The Conservative attacks are reminiscent of McCarthyism and also have no place in Canadian society.
 
Rather than trying to silence and denigrate legitimate public debate, including its contempt of the Goldstone report, the Conservative government must stand up for international law, human rights and the fourth Geneva Convention.
 
I hope all members will consider this report and ensure that Canada affirms its commitment to peace and justice for Palestinians and for a lasting–
 

 
Mr. Deepak Obhrai (Calgary East, CPC): ObhraD@parl.gc.ca 
 
Mr. Speaker, today, Canada remembers the victims of last year’s deadly attacks in Mumbai. A year ago, cowardly terrorist attacks took the lives of 166 innocent civilians, including two Canadians.
 
Our thoughts are with the families of the victims and with the survivors of this terrible tragedy.
 
Last week, the Prime Minister, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and I stayed in Mumbai at one of the hotels that was attacked.
 
Canada itself is not immune to terrorist attacks. Canadians lost their lives in the Air India bombings, as well as in the September 11 attacks in New York.
 
Canada has designated June 23 as the National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism, which aims to denounce terrorism and honour the memory of its victims, such as those who lost their lives in the deadly attacks in Mumbai.
 
Canada and India have agreed to continue to fight against global terrorism.
 

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