Terming the 21st anniversary of the Air-India tragedy as 'the National Day to Remember the Victims of Terrorism,' Prime Minister Stephen Harper said in a statement from Ottawa that "on this day we pause to remember those whose lives were cruelly and needlessly lost to acts of terror, both here in Canada and around the world."
Referring to the Air-India tragedy, Harper conceded, "Canada is not immune from the deadly consequences of terrorism."
As in Canada, so also elsewhere, "There have been those who have tried to take advantage of the freedoms offered by a democratic society to promote an agenda of intolerance and hatred. This problem continues today and we must, as a nation, do everything in our power to prevent them from succeeding."
Three levels of government got together on this anniversary day for the groundbreaking ceremony on Toronto's shoreline where a 'Sundial' on the lines of the memorial in Ahakista (Ireland) will be built behind which there will be a wall that will have names of all 329 victims engraved on it.
The memorial will be completed by June 2007 on the 22nd anniversary. It is being funded by the government of Canada and the province of Ontario. And the land for the memorial in Humber Bay Park East has been donated by the city of Toronto.
The waterfront location of the Toronto memorial is especially significant for the family members since a large body of water is the final resting place for many of the victims of the Air India tragedy.
"This memorial will be a place, not just for the families of the Air India tragedy, but for all Canadians to reflect and remember victims of terrorism," said Jayashree Thampi, head of the Air India 182 Victims' Families Association Memorial Committee.
On behalf of Ontario government, Citizenship and Immigration Minister Mike Colle called the bombing of Air India "a tragedy that continues to be felt deeply by all Ontarians" and "this memorial will help to ensure that the victims of this act of terrorism are never forgotten".
On hand was city of Toronto Deputy Mayor, Joe Pantalone: "The city of Toronto believes it is fitting to provide this place of memorial to honour the victims of Air India Flight 182."
"The grieving process has been made more difficult by the prolonged search for justice" and he was hopeful "the Air India (public inquiry) which opened two days ago will help bring closure."
Of a total of 329 victims, Pantalone said 140 were from Ontario and 82 of the victims were children.
He applauded the federal government for providing funding for the memorial.
Representing the federal government was Peter Van Loan, Conservative member of Parliament and parliamentary secretary to the minister of foreign affairs.
"The Air-India bombing was Canada's worst-ever act of mass murder," said NDP leader Howard Hampton.
In a statement from his office at Queen's Park, he called June 23 as "a sad day in Canadian history" as this day there was "an attack on human dignity and an assault on peace This tragic event has had a lasting impact on our society with a profound need for justice."
To prevent such acts of terrorism, as Air-India from happening again, "Canada is participating in international efforts to combat terrorism on a global scale," Harper said from Ottawa.
"We are also continuing to strengthen our capacity to deal with possible terrorist threats within our own borders, while devoting more resources to stopping terrorists before they strike," Harper added.
Even though he didn't say so, his reference obviously was to the recent arrests of 17 people, including 5 minors, allegedly conspiring to commit acts of terrorism in Canada.
"Our government is committed to doing everything within its power to protect the lives and property of its citizens and to defend the tolerant, generous and open society that has made us the best country in the world in which to live," he added.
Hampton said their "thoughts and prayers are with you (families) as you struggle with your loss and grief."
