National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism Observed Across Canada
OTTAWA — Canadians marked the National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism on June 23, commemorating those who have lost their lives to terrorism and violent extremism, including the victims of the Air India Flight 182 bombing.
In a statement released Monday, Prime Minister Mark Carney paid tribute to the 329 people killed when Air India Flight 182 was destroyed by a bomb over the Atlantic Ocean on June 23, 1985. Of those killed, 268 were Canadian citizens.
The attack remains the deadliest act of terrorism in Canadian history.
“On this National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism, we honour the victims of Flight 182 and all those who have lost their lives to acts of terrorism and violent extremism,” Carney said.
Remembering Air India Flight 182
The bombing of Air India Flight 182 claimed the lives of passengers and crew travelling from Canada to India, devastating families and communities across the country.
Forty-one years later, the tragedy continues to serve as a reminder of the lasting impact terrorism can have on victims, survivors and nations.
The Prime Minister said Canada stands with the survivors, families and communities who continue to carry the loss of loved ones.
Commitment to Combating Violent Extremism
Carney emphasized that the legacy of Air India Flight 182 requires not only remembrance but continued vigilance against terrorism and violent extremism.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the federal government is advancing measures aimed at strengthening Canada’s security framework, including legislation designed to improve public safety and enhance the country’s ability to prevent terrorist activity.
The government says its efforts include strengthening national security institutions, disrupting terrorist financing networks and supporting programs that help prevent radicalization and violent extremism within communities.
Supporting Prevention and Security Efforts
Federal officials say community-based intervention programs remain an important part of Canada’s approach to preventing extremist violence.
The government is also working to provide law enforcement and security agencies with additional tools to identify, prevent and disrupt potential terrorist threats.
Carney reaffirmed that protecting Canadians remains a core responsibility of the federal government.
“The first job of the government is to protect Canadians, and that will always be our mission and our focus,” he said.
A Day of Reflection
The National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism serves as an opportunity for Canadians to reflect on the human cost of terrorism while honouring those whose lives have been lost.
The annual observance also recognizes the resilience of survivors and families affected by acts of terrorism in Canada and around the world.
As Canadians remember the victims of Air India Flight 182 and other acts of terrorism, government leaders continue to emphasize the importance of public safety, national security and efforts to counter violent extremism.
Source: Prime Minister’s Office, June 23, 2026.
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