anada: March 1, 2013. (PCP) The second commemoration of Martyr Shahbaz Bhatti was held in the House of Commons on behalf of the Speaker of the House, the Hon. Andrew Scheer. International Christian Voice would like to thank Hon. Andrew Scheer along with MP. David Sweet and all others who made this event possible. We are also very grateful that the government of Canada has highly valued the life of Martyr Shahbaz Bhatti and continue to honor his great sacrifice. There were a number of MPs, Ministers and Senators who attended this event to give their tribute to our great leader. The Ambassador for the office of International Religious Freedom Mr. Andrew Bennett was also present. The memorial started off with MP David Sweet thanking everyone for joining them to honor a great leader. He invited the Hon. Speaker of the House, Mr. Andrew Scheer to share his thoughts about the life of Martyr Shahbaz Bhatti. Mr. Scheer spoke of the death of Martyr Shahbaz Bhatti and how it takes tremendous courage to stand up to death. He referred to Martyr Shahbaz as a man of great courage. He wished Martyr Shahbaz Bhatti had been still alive to receive his Defender of Human Rights John Diefenbaker Award. The second speaker was the Honorable Minister of Immigration and Citizenship, Mr. Jason Kenney. Being a close friend of Shahbaz Bhatti and a great advocate for religious freedom, Mr. Kenney shared his thoughts about his late friend. He said this was a sad occasion for him but he wishes to celebrate the life of Martyr Shahbaz Bhatti annually. He said he was a man of great authenticity, a man of great character and compassion. With tears in his eyes, Mr. Kenney shared how he did everything he could to make Shahbaz stay back in Canada but was not able to convince him. He knew he was going back to his death however; Martyr Shahbaz was not ready to abandon his community. MP David Sweet then gave the benediction sent on behalf of Father Raymond D’Souza since he himself was not able to attend. His benediction spoke of the sacrifice of Martyr Shahbaz Bhatti and Father Raymond expressed that he prays that the death of Shahbaz Bhatti would never escape our hearts. We then closed for a break and resumed the memorial after a half hour. After the break Mr. Scott Reid, the Chairman of the Subcommittee of International Human Rights shared the impact that Martyr Shahbaz Bhatti’s life and death had on his own life. The final speaker was the Chairman of International Christian Voice, Mr. Peter Bhatti. Mr. Bhatti spoke about the life of Martyr Shahbaz Bhatti and how he began working towards the rights of the religious minorities of Pakistan at the age of 13. He spoke of the impact that Martyr Shahbaz had on his own life and how Martyr Shahbaz convinced him start a human rights organization in Canada. Mr. Bhatti thanked the government of Canada for all that it has done for Martyr Shahbaz Bhatti, the religious minorities of Pakistan and his family. MP David Sweet then repeated Father Raymond D’Souza’s benediction and concluded the commemoration. Once again, we would like to thank the government of Canada from the bottom of our hearts for all that they have done and continue to do to honor the sacrifice of Martyr Shahbaz Bhatti. Their commitment reassures us that the blood of Martyr Shahbaz Bhatti will not go in vain.