Ombudsman’s statement on the National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism

June 23, 2020 - Today marks the 35th anniversary of the tragedy of Air India Flight 182, a senseless act of violence that killed 329 people, most of whom were Canadian. On this National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism, we remember, respect and uphold the memories of all victims, and the lived realities that the families have faced ever since.

As Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime, I have seen the resilience of many survivors impacted by terrorism. I pay tribute to all those affected and to those who raise their voices to ensure others never forget these tragedies. I stand in solidarity with the families who have lost loved ones, to the injured survivors and those whose lives were forever changed.

Here in Canada and elsewhere in the world, the long-term impacts of extremist violence on victims and survivors are serious, and support to help victims heal and recover is still lacking. We must help build resilience by empowering survivors with access to justice and guaranteed rights to support and assistance necessary to facilitate their healing.



Heidi Illingworth
Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime