Ottawa, ON – The Hon. Pierre Poilievre, Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, released the following statement on the Anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre:
“Emerging from the darkness of the cultural revolution, the world saw China slowly embrace free markets, renouncing tight socialist state controls. Soon after, the newfound economic freedom unleashed a massive increase in the standard of living and a surge in technological development.
“Seeing the power of freedom to uplift and unite their people, students rallied to demand their political freedoms – to speak freely and choose who governed them. As the Communist Party in Beijing sought to clamp down, their numbers only grew to an estimated one million people.
“In Tiananmen Square, the site of a hunger strike, those from all walks of life joined to protect and defend the students. The Communist regime responded mercilessly as the army began indiscriminately killing anyone in their path, using troops and tanks to murder their own people.
“Even as the world watched the brutality broadcast live, the Communist government sought to repress the truth of their massacre. They have never shown remorse, and their oppressive tactics continue to be used today. We must not let their denial of history win.
“On this anniversary, Common Sense Conservatives join with Canadians in remembering those killed and honouring all those who fought for freedom and democracy.”