Statement from Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre on Journey to Freedom Day
Ottawa, ON – The Hon. Pierre Poilievre, Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, released the following statement on Journey to Freedom Day:
“As Saigon fell and the Vietnam War came to a close, terror and repression followed not long behind the soldiers. Hundreds of thousands were sent to ‘re-education’ camps where they faced torture, hard labour and death. Equal numbers were forcibly displaced from their homes, with the government seizing their property and businesses.
“Those allowed to remain faced repression, poverty and starvation as the new regime imposed the same failed experiment of communism. A humanitarian crisis soon unfolded as millions sought to flee the brutality and regain their freedom. They escaped by any means they could, whether by land, air, or what most gripped the world, boat.
“After hearing the plight of the Hai Hong, which had been damaged and thrown off course by a typhoon, Canada announced the passengers would be welcomed to our shores. Other countries soon followed our lead. From the fall of Saigon to the 90s, citizens, churches and family members across Canada would welcome more than 120,000 Vietnamese to our common home.
“Today, we mourn all those who lost their lives trying to escape the horrors of communism and socialism. We also celebrate those who made the harrowing journey to freedom and draw inspiration from their story to ensure Canada is the freest country on earth.”