OTTAWA, September 11, 2014 - Today, the Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, and the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, issued a statement encouraging Canadians to show civic duty, get involved, and participate in charitable activities and community service across the country:
“On this day in 2001, the world looked on in horror as our neighbours, friends and loved ones in the United States suffered one of the most shocking terrorist acts in history. Nearly 3,000 lives were lost, including 24 Canadians, and the world would be forever changed.
Canadians rallied to the sides of our American friends, opened our hearts and homes, and helped them to recover and persevere. There is no better example of Canadian generosity and kindness than the small community of Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador, which took in so many stranded travelers and provided them with food, shelter and kindness – and creating lasting friendships.
On the tenth anniversary of that tragic day and to applaud the efforts of all Canadians, Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued a call to action. He asked us all to come together through charitable activities and community service. He asked us to turn a day of pain into a day of giving – to not only reflect and honour the lives that were lost, but more importantly, to claim the day as a day to be forever remembered for compassion, courage and strength in the face of adversity.
We know the dedication of people who serve their local communities, such as local police officers, fire fighters and first responders. The commitment they feel goes beyond their occupations, and extends into charitable activities, fundraisers and community service for worthy causes across the country.
But, it also goes above and beyond that. Every one of us can give back and contribute to our own community in any way we can – we can each do our part to help those around us, whether in time, in kind or through financial support. It is by coming together that we can strive to more effectively change our communities and make them a better place in which to live and raise our families.
Today, we not only thank all volunteers who give up their time, put their skills to work, demonstrate acts of kindness and compassion, and willingly make sacrifices to better the lives of others, but also all Canadians who give back in any way they can. Let this truly be a day that serves as an inspiration to rise to the occasion, which celebrates generosity and allows us to reflect on the importance of Canadians coming together for the best of our country.”
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For more information, please visit the website www.publicsafety.gc.ca.
Information:
Jason Tamming
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
613-991-2924
Clarissa Lamb
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Justice
613-992-4621
Media Relations
Public Safety Canada
613-991-0657
media@ps-sp.gc.ca
