Bob Dechert, Member of Parliament

 Mississauga, Ontario (October 17, 2011) – Bob Dechert, Parliamentary Secretary to  the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Member of Parliament for  Mississauga-Erindale would like to bring to your attention a Motion Passed by  the House of Commons and Dechert’s remarks:

Motion Passed by the House of Commons – Amended by the Honourable John Baird to ensure strong language:

“That this House stand in solidarity with those religious minorities around the world and strongly the condemn the vicious attacks on Egyptian Coptic Christians and their institutions; calls on
the Egyptian Government to ensure that the perpetrators of the attacks be brought to justice and bear the full weight of the law; and, ask the United Nations Human Rights (Council) to conduct an open and transparent investigation into the plight of Egyptian Coptic Christians and issue a public report on its findings.”

On October 17, 2011, Dechert remarked, “As you may be aware, our Government announced our intention in the Speech from the Throne to create an Office of Religious Freedom in the
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.

This office will promote and protect freedom of religion and belief, consistent with core Canadian values such as freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

Societies that protect religious freedom are more likely to protect other fundamental freedoms. As Canadians, we enjoy the rights and privileges that come with living in a free
and democratic society.

But we are also aware of the struggles that religious minorities face around the world.

That is why our Government continues to speak out for what is principled and just.

That is why we have condemned killings and the hatred and extremism that leads to this kind of violence which has brought so much pain and suffering.

That is why Canada condemned the attacks of Nag Hammadi in January 2010, where innocent civilians congregating for a religious celebration were viciously attacked and killed.

That is why we sent Canada’s ambassador to meet with Pope Shenouda last year to demonstrate Canada’s solidarity.

That is why we deplored the bombing that occurred in Alexandria earlier this year, which resulted in the lives of over 20 worshippers being taken away and another 70 injured.

That is why throughout the developments this year, we made clear that the transition must respect the rights of religious minorities – the Coptic community in Egypt.

As stated by Minister Baird deploring the latest violence this past weekend, “Freedom of religion is a fundamental human right and a vital building block for healthy democracies.
People of faith must be able to practice and worship in peace and security.”

The persecution against the Coptic community must stop.

The destruction of a place of worship and the violence directed toward a community because of their faith is unacceptable.

We call for a transparent investigation into the violence and for those responsible to be held accountable.

As Canadians, it is our duty to defend the rights of the vulnerable, and to give voice to the voiceless.

As Minister Baird stated recently, “Our positions will not soften, our determination will not lessen, and our voices will not be diminished until all citizens can enjoy the freedoms
and rights we hold to be universal and true.”

Canada stands by the people of Egypt, including the Coptic community, as they work toward a peaceful and democratic transition.”

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For further information contact:

Office of Bob Dechert, MP

Office:(905) 897-1952