Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has issued the following statement on the 101st anniversary of the Armenian Genocide;
On this day, we mark the 101st commemoration of the tragic loss of life of the Armenian population during the waning days of the Ottoman Empire in 1915.
Both the Senate of Canada and the House of Commons have adopted resolutions referring to these events as genocide.
We preserve the memory of those who lost their lives, and those who suffered during this genocide and pay our deepest respects to their descendants, including those who now call Canada home.
In solemnly acknowledging this event, let us use this moment as an opportunity to look forward and strengthen our collective resolve to ensure such acts are never again repeated.
While we must never forget the lessons of history, we must also be reminded that past injustices do not serve our communities if they divide us. Canadians of all backgrounds and faiths stand together in reaffirming our collective commitment to the values of pluralism, human rights, and diversity.
On this anniversary, please join me in my hope for a peaceful future based on tolerance, respect, and reconciliation.