Premier John Horgan has issued the following statement to mark the National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism:

“On June 23, 1985, Air India Flight 182 was en route from Canada to India when a bomb exploded mid-flight, killing every passenger on board.

“Canadians will never forget this act of terror that took the lives of 329 people, including 280 Canadians. Our hearts go out to the families and friends of the victims.

“Today across Canada, people are gathering to honour the lives of all Canadians affected by terrorism.

“We remember those who were taken from their friends, families and their communities, as well as the people who have witnessed acts of terror and survived.

“Perpetrators of terrorism seek to shatter our sense of safety and peace. Their violent acts try to turn communities against one another. They seek to divide us against ourselves.

“We must never allow anger, fear and hatred to take root in our hearts. We will not let these senseless acts of terror change who we are.

“Today, British Columbians stand together against all acts of terrorism, and embrace the values of love, compassion and acceptance, and a fundamental belief in the good of people.”

Event details:

On Saturday, June 23, flags at the Parliament Buildings in Victoria will be flown at half-mast to mark the National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism.

At 6 p.m., an event honouring the memory of those who lost their lives on June 23, 1985, will take place at the Air India Memorial monument in Vancouver’s Stanley Park, overlooking Ceperley Field.