NDP (New Democratic Party), Canada Friday NDP STATEMENT ON ARMENIA'S ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE JAGMEET SINGH, LEADER OF CANADA'S NDP, ISSUED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT: OTTAWA, Canada "Today, the Armenian community in Canada, and around the world, is celebrating the Republic of Armenia's Independence Day. Canada is one of only 29 countries that recognize the Armenian Genocide that began in 1915 and claimed more than a million lives. After the First World War, Armenians founded their first republic and declared their independence, but by 1922 had become a member of the Soviet Union. It took until 1991, for the Republic of Armenia to regain its independence and it remains a symbol of pride and unity for Armenians around the world. Today, Armenia and Canada are cultural and commercial partners, thanks to the vitality of the Armenian community in our country, and the more than 50,000 people of Armenian descent who are part of communities across Canada. Today, New Democrats extend their best wishes to all Armenians on Armenia's Anniversary of Independence."