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The Government of Canada Recognizes the Armenian Genocide

Ottawa – On the eve of 91st anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, The Prime Minister of Canada, the Right Honourable Stephen Harper, on behalf of the Government of Canada, issued a statement recognizing the Armenian Genocide. The statement brought the policy of our executive branch of government on the Armenian Genocide in line with the House of Commons and the Senate of Canada resolutions.

This is the first time that the head of the Federal Government in Canada has issued such a policy statement on the Armenian Genocide. By issuing the statement the Prime Minister and the government steadfastly upheld their previous stand during the House of Commons debate and vote on Motion M-380. Furthermore, the Government statement honoured not only the memories of the victims of the Armenian Genocide but also the wishes of the overwhelming majority of Canadians. In addition to the Canadian Senate and the House of Commons, the three largest provinces (Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia) also recognize the Armenian Genocide.

In his statement, issued to the Armenian National Committee of Canada, the Prime Minister

stated:

“I would like to extend my sincere greetings to all of those marking this sombre anniversary of the Medz Yeghern.

Ninety-one years ago the Armenian people experienced terrible suffering and loss of life. In recent years the Senate of Canada adopted a motion acknowledging this period as “the first genocide of the twentieth century,” while the House of Commons adopted a motion that “acknowledges the Armenian genocide of 1915 and condemns this act as a crime against humanity.” My party and I supported those resolutions, and continue to recognize them today.

We must never forget the lessons of history, nor should we allow the enmities of history to divide us. The freedom, democracy, and human rights enjoyed by all Canadians are rooted in our mutual respect for one another.

I join with you today in remembering the past I encourage you to continue honouring your forefathers by building a bright future for all in Canadians.”

Dr. Vagharch Ehramdjian, chairman of the Armenian National Committee of Canada (ANCC), said: “The Prime Minister’s and his government colleague’s moral fortitude demonstrates once again that truth and justice will prevail over short term economic gains or political expediency. The Prime Minister’s statement is a clear massage to the despots of the world that Canada and the free world will not tolerate genocide and ethnic cleansing.”

For over 30 years the ANCC and its regional chapters have worked diligently to keep the Armenian Genocide issue on the agenda of the Canadian government and make it an important part of the public and political discourse in our country.

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