Mr. Speaker, on a happy note, tomorrow we will welcome Malala Yousafzai to Canada.

As our government set out just over one year ago in the Speech from the Throne, we intend to bestow honorary citizenship on this remarkable young woman. Therefore, on behalf of all Canadians, I am proud to rise in the House today to seek consent to propose the following motion, which is jointly seconded by the leader of the official opposition of the New Democratic Party and by the leader of the third party, the Liberal Party.

That, whereas over 57 million children around the world are denied access to primary education;

Whereas girls are still disproportionately denied access to basic education around the world;

Whereas Canada supports global efforts to ensure that all girls and boys have access to basic education;

Whereas Malala Yousafzai fearlessly documented her challenges simply to attend school under the barbaric rule of the Taliban, a listed terrorist organisation under Canadian law;

Whereas she suffered a horrific attack perpetrated by the Taliban who, to this day, wish for her to be silenced;

Whereas Canadians and the civilised world were united in standing against this attack and are intent on honouring the bravery of Malala Yousafzai;

Whereas she has been recognised on numerous of occasions as a champion for fundamental human rights and access to education, including most recently being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition for her advocacy for universal education;

Whereas she continues to fight for the empowerment of girls and women;

Whereas she serves as a role model and an inspiration to all Canadians and the world in her fight for universal education,

Therefore ______________ the House of Commons resolve to bestow the title of “honourary Canadian citizen” on Malala Yousafzai; and

That a message be sent to the Senate requesting that House to unite with this House in the said resolution by filling in the blank with the words “the Senate and”.

Stephen Harper

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