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

“Today, we remember and honour every Canadian whose life was cut short or forever changed by a terrorist attack.

“Thirty-nine years ago today, 329 innocent people, including 280 Canadians, tragically lost their lives when a bomb, planted on Air India Flight 182 in Canada, exploded mid-flight. This remains the deadliest terrorist attack in Canadian history. It reminds us of the senseless violence that terrorism perpetuates and of our shared responsibility to unequivocally condemn terrorism.

“Canada is doing its part to counter terrorism and violent extremism. We are updating our Counter-Terrorism Strategy to ensure it remains modern and effective. Through the Canada Centre for Community Engagement and Prevention of Violence, we’re working with other levels of government and partners to build and share knowledge, fund and coordinate research, and support prevention efforts and interventions.

“Through the Community Resilience Fund, we’re providing funding to organizations that help improve our understanding of violent extremism and our capacity to prevent these acts of violence. And earlier this week, we announced the listing of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist entity under Canada’s Criminal Code. We will continue to work with our allies and partners, at home and around the world, to better detect, prevent, and respond to the threat of terrorism.

“On this day – and every day – we stand united against hate, intolerance, and division. We reaffirm Canada’s determination to fight against violent extremism and keep our people safe.”

PREMIER David Eby said: “On this day in 1985, a bomb exploded onboard Air India Flight 182, killing all 329 passengers and crew. Most of the passengers were Canadians, many of whom were travelling to India to visit family and friends.

“We mark the National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism on the anniversary of this tragedy, which remains the worst terrorist attack and mass murder in Canada’s history.

“The impacts of terrorist violence remain with families and communities long after the event. We stand with the victims and those who are left behind to mourn.

“Today, we reaffirm our condemnation of the violence and hatred behind these acts of cowardice. We must work to ensure that every person in this province is safe and free from terror.”

CONSERVATIVE Leader Pierre Poilievre said: “Thirty-nine years ago, Canadians witnessed the worst terror attack in our nation’s history. 329 passengers aboard Air India Flight 182, including 280 Canadians, were murdered while flying to the United Kingdom from Toronto. 137 children were tragically denied their 18th birthday.

“We must not allow the memory of those who lost their lives in this horrific attack to be forgotten. We pray for the families and loved ones whose lives were devastated by these atrocious acts. And we remain resolved to confront terrorism everywhere it rears its ugly head.

“Nobody should have to live with the unimaginable pain that terrorism wreaks upon our society. We must always defend freedom and innocent lives from monsters who traffic in violent ideologies and whose sole mission is death and destruction.

“Today, acts of terror in Canadian schools, places of worship, and communities are on the rise. Canada’s Common Sense Conservatives will always fight for freedom over fear, hope over hate, and light over darkness. May this remembrance of all lives lost in terror attacks rededicate us to this essential mission.”

FEDERAL NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh tweeted: “39 years ago, 329 lives were lost in the Air India Bombing, and communities were forever changed. I extend my condolences to the families who lost loved ones. Today we remember those who were lost and honour their memory by working together to build a more peaceful world. We will not let hate win.”

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