OTTAWA, Ontario โ Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre marked Canada’s National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism on Tuesday by commemorating the victims of Air India Flight 182 and reaffirming his party’s commitment to confronting terrorism and ensuring Canada does not become a safe haven for extremists.
In a statement released on June 23, Poilievre reflected on the 41st anniversary of the bombing of Air India Flight 182, the deadliest act of terrorism in Canadian history.
On June 23, 1985, a bomb exploded aboard Air India Flight 182 off the coast of Ireland, killing all 329 people on board, including 280 Canadians. The attack remains one of the most devastating acts of mass murder involving Canadian citizens.
“Forty-one years ago, we witnessed the deadliest terrorist attack in our nation’s history,” Poilievre said in the statement.
“As we pause to remember the lives lost on that tragic day, we are reminded of the true cost of terrorism, one that is too often paid with innocent lives.”
Canada formally established the National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism in 2005 to coincide with the anniversary of the Air India tragedy. The day serves to honor Canadians killed in terrorist attacks both at home and abroad while recognizing the suffering endured by surviving family members.
Poilievre said the commemoration extends beyond the victims of Air India Flight 182.
“Today is a chance to remember and mourn all those who died at the hands of murderous terrorists,” he said, referencing victims of the September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States and other acts of terrorism that have occurred around the world.
The Conservative leader also expressed concern about contemporary extremist movements and violent ideologies.
“Across our land, we see violent ideologies on the march, terrorizing our schools, our streets, and our sanctuaries,” Poilievre said.
Canada has experienced a rise in ideologically motivated violent extremism in recent years, according to assessments by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Security officials have warned that threats may originate from a variety of ideological, political, and religious motivations.
Poilievre said confronting terrorism and pursuing justice for victims must remain a national priority.
“We must protect our people,” he said. “Confronting terrorism and pursuing justice for victims and their loved ones is a responsibility we all share.”
The statement reaffirmed the Conservatives’ commitment to preventing terrorist attacks and countering those who seek to carry out acts of violence.
“We remain steadfast in our commitment to confront those seeking to commit these vile acts and prevent them from taking place,” Poilievre said.
For Canada’s Jewish community, the National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism carries particular significance amid heightened concerns about antisemitism, extremist violence, and global terrorism following the October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorist attacks against Israel.
Jewish organizations across Canada have repeatedly called for stronger action against antisemitic violence, extremist incitement, and organizations that promote or glorify terrorism.
Poilievre has consistently spoken out against antisemitism and in support of Israel’s right to defend itself against terrorist organizations, including Hamas and Hezbollah.
In his statement, Poilievre emphasized that remembrance must be accompanied by resolve.
“Today, we stand with those in mourning. But we will not be intimidated,” he said.
The Conservative leader concluded by calling on Canadians to recommit themselves to defending democratic values and resisting those who seek to undermine them through violence.
“Let us rededicate ourselves to defend what they seek to destroy: freedom over fear and light over darkness,” Poilievre said.
“We remain committed to this essential mission, and to ensure that Canada will never be a safe harbor for terrorism.”
Commemorative ceremonies marking the National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism took place across Canada on Monday, with families, survivors, community leaders, and public officials honoring those who lost their lives in terrorist attacks and reflecting on the ongoing challenge of protecting democratic societies from violent extremism.
