Statement by the Minister of Canadian Heritage on International Day of Tolerance
MONCTON, November 16, 2001 -- Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps, in Moncton to participate in a peace breakfast, organized as part of 150th anniversary celebrations for the YMCA, took the opportunity to make an appeal for respect and dialogue on International Day of Tolerance."Never before has it been so crucial to promote tolerance worldwide as in this difficult period in the history of humanity," said Minister Copps. "The events of September 11 have left indelible marks on our memories and our hearts. On that day, the entire world was witness to horror. On that day, we realized that peace and harmony between peoples can be very fragile, that nothing can be taken for granted and that we must constantly show vigilance.
"In the days that followed, however, we also witnessed what is most noble in every human being. Right here in Moncton, the population turned out to help some 2 200 airline passengers whose flights had been diverted here. The people of Moncton -- especially those involved in the YMCA, which has a long tradition of mutual help and sharing -- fed, comforted and cared for these American visitors and travellers from different parts of the world as if they were family members. Canadians in other cities, such as Gander, Newfoundland, did the same. Never before has Canada so well lived up to its name of the welcoming land.
"On International Day of Tolerance, I invite you once again to declare your commitment, as Canadians, to solidarity, generosity and mutual help: values that have enabled us as a country to stand up to difficulties and that today enable us to give our support around the world. I also make a call for more than tolerance. As Canadians, we must build tolerance - but then we must do more. We must build acceptance - but then we must do more. We must build respect - but then we must do more. We must learn first to understand that diversity and then to celebrate it, because it's in this diversity that lies the identity of Canada."
Information:
Joseph Kira
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
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