For the past few weeks it seemed impossible to pick up a newspaper or turn on a television or radio without seeing or hearing about the terrible act of terrorism that occurred on September 11, 2001. I am sure this date will be long remembered and will go down in history as one the darkest moments in human history.

PHOTO CREDIT - GuyLauzon.ca

Cornwall - Sep. 21, 2011 - For the past few weeks it seemed impossible to pick up a newspaper or turn on a television or radio without seeing or hearing about the terrible act of terrorism that occurred on September 11, 2001. I am sure this date will be long remembered and will go down in history as one the darkest moments in human history. After all the advances humans have made since the beginning of mankind, this horrible tragedy was thrust on the world. Although this act of terrorism happened in the United States of America, it had repercussions around the world.

Almost 3,000 innocent lives were lost on September 11, 2001. Twenty four of these lives were Canadian. One of the Canadians, Michael David Barkway, was born and raised in the riding of Stormont, Dundas and South Glengarry. One can only imagine how much pain and suffering this horrendous act has thrust upon the Barkways and other surviving families and loved ones during the past ten years.

These senseless and cowardly acts shattered the lives of the 24 Canadian victims, their families and friends, who have had to live with these terrible losses each and every day for the past ten years. We can in a small way share in their grief but, there is no way as a community to right this terrible injustice. The only way we can give some comfort to the surviving families and friends is to resolve to never allow a similar event to happen again.

We must never let our guard down. Terrorism is not defeated. While we honour and remember those victims who fell, we must remember we are not immune to further attacks. We must stand firm with our allies to ensure such a tragedy never occurs again. We must not let terrorism undermine our way of life. Terrorism is alive and well. Our government will be introducing legislation in the upcoming session of Parliament to help authorities do just that.


Guy Lauzon
Member of Parliament
Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry