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

“Thirty-six years ago, the largest terrorist attack and mass murder in Canadian history took place when a bomb exploded on Air India Flight 182, killing all 329 passengers and crew, including 280 Canadians. These were people, many of them children, who had deep roots in Canadian society.

“More than three decades later, we still grapple with the violent and senseless loss of life aboard Air India Flight 182. Every year, relatives and friends gather at the Air India Memorial in Stanley Park to remember their loved ones, recite the names of the passengers and crew and keep their memories alive.

“At the B.C. Parliament Buildings, flags are flying at half-mast as we remember the victims of this tragedy and all Canadians whose lives have been violently disrupted by terrorism. This includes all those grieving the loss of four family members, tragically killed because of their Muslim faith in London, Ontario.

“For those of us who have never been targeted or felt fear because of our religion, ethnicity, sexuality or race, we can only imagine the daily traumas experienced by our fellow British Columbians. We all have a responsibility – especially those of us with privilege – to acknowledge these differences and work harder to protect and care for one another.    

“We must stand up and speak out against hatred of any kind. We must defend our shared values of equality, diversity and respect. We must protect everyone’s right to feel welcome and safe in British Columbia, while constantly working to build a better country.”