Armenian National Committee of Canada
Ottawa, ON
130 Albert St., Suite 1007
Ottawa, ON
KIP 5G4
Tel. (613) 235-2622 Fax (613) 238-2622
PRESS RELEASE
April 21, 2006 Contact: Aris Babikian
(613) 235-2622
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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The ANCC is the largest and the most influential Canadian-Armenian
grassroots political organization. Working in coordination with a
network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout Canada and
affiliated organizations around the world, the ANCC actively advances
the concerns of the Canadian-Armenian community on a broad range of
issues.
Regional Chapters
Montréal- Toronto – Laval – Vancouver – Ottawa – Hamilton – Cambridge
St. Catharines – Windsor
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
