PRIME Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday issued the following statement on the National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism:

“Today, Canadians stand united to honour lives tragically lost to acts of terror. We also recognize the strength, resilience, and powerful voices of those who have survived and bravely shared their stories.

“Thirty-eight years ago today, en route from Canada to the United Kingdom, a bomb exploded on Air India Flight 182 – a terrorist attack that shook our country to its core. This hateful act – the deadliest terrorist attack in Canadian history – killed all 329 people on board, including 280 Canadians, and forever altered the lives of their families and loved ones who continue to live with the pain of their absence every day.

“Terrorism seeks to instill fear, division, and hatred within our communities. We can never allow the actions of a few to overshadow the values of peace, tolerance, and diversity that define our society and unite us as Canadians.

“Today offers an opportunity to reflect on how we can continue to defend peace and security and promote human rights here at home and around the world. It is also an opportunity to express our profound gratitude to the first responders, members of the Canadian Armed Forces, members of law enforcement agencies, and the countless others who work tirelessly to keep our communities safe.

“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I reaffirm our commitment to stand against terrorism in all its forms. Today, and every day, we can all embody the Canadian values of diversity, compassion, and empathy to honour the memory of those we have lost and build a safer country for everyone.”

PREMIER David Eby said in a statement:

“On this solemn day, we remember the Canadians, at home and abroad, who have been victimized by acts of terrorism.

“Thirty-eight years ago today, 329 passengers and crew aboard Air India Flight 182 were murdered. Among the victims were 280 Canadians. This cowardly act forever changed the lives of countless friends and family members. The trauma from acts of terrorism lasts long after the events.

“A day of remembrance reminds us of our shared humanity. It also offers us a moment to pause and reflect on the tragedy of lives lost through violence.

“We must unite to condemn acts of terrorism, which are intended to instil fear and to divide us. Together, we can build a stronger society by defending our shared values of diversity, equity and respect.

“On behalf of the people of British Columbia, I extend my deepest sympathies to all who have suffered pain and loss from acts of terrorism. We support you in your grief and we pledge to continue doing our work to make British Columbia a better, safer place – one free from fear.”

COPNSERVATIVE Leader Pierre Poilievre, Leader of the Official Opposition, said:

“On this day, 38 years ago, Air India Flight 182 was subject to a heinous terrorist attack as it flew from Toronto to the United Kingdom. All 329 passengers were murdered, including 280 Canadian citizens. 137 passengers were denied celebrating their 18th birthday. Today we mourn those who died and pray for their loved ones who have suffered so much.

“This was one of the darkest incidents in our history. We must continue to fight terrorism, wherever it may rear its ugly head. Canada must always do everything in its power to stand for human rights and the protection of innocent lives.

“We offer our deepest sympathies to families and friends who have lost loved ones, and to everyone living with the anguish and trauma caused by these senseless acts of violence. The remembrance of these lost souls is accompanied by our vigilance against the extremism that killed them.

“The Conservative Party of Canada stands with victims of terrorism to ensure that such unimaginable tragedies will never happen again.”

FEDERAL NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh made the following statement:

“Today marks the National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism. On this day in 1985, a horrific act of terrorism took the lives of 329 people aboard Air India Flight 182. Today is a hard day for the victims’ families, and I offer my sincere sympathy to all those impacted.

“As we mourn the lives lost, we all must recommit to making sure acts of violence and terror like this never happen again. New Democrats will keep fighting to make Canada a safer place for all and do what we can to support organizations that work to root out extremism.

“We will continue to stand in solidarity with those who feel the deep pain and grief of losing loved ones to violence.

“The NDP will keep fighting against hatred, extremism and violence in all its forms. On behalf of all New Democrats, I extend my deepest condolences to all those who have been impacted by acts of terror within Canada and worldwide.”