Speeches – 2008

The Honourable Jason Kenney

Third Annual Memorial for Rafic Hariri

Ottawa, Ontario, March 2, 2008

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Let me begin by saying how pleased I am to be with you today to pay tribute to the memory of a very special man – Rafic Hariri.

It is fitting that this memorial is being held here in Tabaret Hall, because it was in this very hall where Mr. Hariri received an honorary PhD from the University of Ottawa in 1997 in recognition for his remarkable philanthropic and educational work.

In his efforts to rebuild Lebanon, Rafic Hariri endeavoured to bring together different religious and ethnic groups – the kind of work that I firmly believe is pivotal to ensuring long-lasting peace.

It is in getting to know one another that we establish common understanding, mutual respect, and partnerships – the building blocks that are vital to creating peace and stability, whether here in Canada, in Lebanon, or anywhere else in the world.

Canada has a proud history of pluralism that includes religious diversity. 
Prime Minister Stephen Harper has noted that, throughout our history, the accommodation of minorities – regional, ethnic, linguistic, or religious – has been critical to Canada' s overall health as a country.

In fact, many of the values that Canadians hold dear – democracy, freedom, the rule of law, and human rights – have evolved out of our diverse heritage.  And they are the same values that Mr. Hariri embraced and worked with such dedication to advance.

Our Government considers pluralism to be one of this country' s greatest strengths, and we are pleased to support initiatives to preserve and promote diversity.

For example, the Government of Canada is a partner in the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, in Winnipeg.  This national museum, the first to be built outside of the National Capital Region, will serve as a powerful symbol of this country' s commitment to recognizing, promoting, and celebrating human rights, at home and abroad.

Canada is recognized around the world as a country that embraces pluralism.  This was illustrated by the decision to select this country as the site for His Royal Highness the Aga Khan' s Global Centre for Pluralism.  I am pleased that my Government is supporting this institution, which I believe will serve as a cornerstone of good governance, the rule of law, and human development in the years ahead.

As well, His Holiness the Dalai Lama' s decision to locate the new international Centre for Peace and Education in Vancouver is an important recognition of our country' s commitment to peace, harmony, and understanding.

The Government of Canada recognizes Mr. Hariri' s remarkable achievements.  He played an important role in strengthening the relations between Canada and Lebanon, and his legacy for Lebanon, indeed for the world, is one of respect for human dignity, no matter what our differences might be.

In closing, I would like to take this opportunity to commend the Future Group of Ottawa for organizing today' s memorial.  It provides us with a welcome opportunity to reflect on Rafic Hariri' s enduring contribution to democracy and human rights, and to renew our commitment to strengthen Canada' s pluralism and national cohesion.

Thank you.