Armenian National Committee of Canada
130 Albert St., Suite 1007
Ottawa, ON
KIP 5G4
Tel. (613) 235-2622 Fax (613) 238-2622
E-mail:[email protected]
www .anccanada.org
For Immediate Release
April 24, 2007
Contact: Kevork Manguelian
Canada’s Prime Minister Reaffirms Recognition of the Armenian Genocide
Canadian-Armenians, members of Parliament and other Genocide Victim Nations
Commemorate the Armenian Genocide
Ottawa-The Prime Minister of Canada, the Right Honourable Stephen Harper,
during the Commemoration of the 92nd anniversary of the Armenian Genocide on
Parliament Hill, reaffirmed his last year’s recognition of the Armenian
Genocide.
Hon. Jason Kenney, Secretary of State, Multiculturalism and Canadian
Identity, read the Prime Minster’s message to the dignitaries and over 1,000
Armenians who had gathered from all over Canada to commemorate the memory of
the 1.5 million Armenians who fell victim Turkey’s intolerance, hatred and
xenophobia in 1915.
In his message, titled "Statement of the Prime Minister on the Day of
Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide," Mr. Harper said: "On this day we
remember the terrible loss of life during the demise of the Ottoman Empire
in 1915, and in particular the horrific suffering endured by the Armenian
people.
"Last year I reminded all Canadians that both Houses of Parliament have
adopted resolutions recognizing the first genocide of the twentieth century.
This is a day we acknowledge solemnly, to guide us towards a better future.
"I join with you today in remembering the past and in sharing hope for a
future based on peace and mutual respect."
Over 30 members of the House of Parliament and the Senate, in addition to
former politicians, intellectuals, academicians, journalists, and human
rights activists, attended the commemoration.
The commemoration commenced with the national anthems of Canada and Armenia
by the Homentemen Boy Scout band. A moment of silence for all victims of
genocides followed.
An interdenominational prayer and requiem was conducted by Msgr. Marcel
Gervais, the Archbishop of Ottawa, Archbishop Khajag Hagopian, Bishop Bagrat
Galestanian, Msgr. Georges Zabarian, Archbsihop Souren Kataroian, and Rev.
Mher Khatchikian.
Jean Megurditchian, president, Armenian National Committee of Canada,
relayed the Canadian-Armenian community’s gratitude for the Prime Minister’s
courageous and principled stand and reaffirmation of his last year’s
recognition. He also thanked the house of Commons and the Senate.
After the reading of the Prime Minister’s message, MP John Cannis read the
Official Opposition Leader, Stephane Dion’s message. Gilles Duceppe, the
Bloc Quebecois leader followed with his remarks. The New Democratic Party
Leader’s message was delivered by Alexa MacDonough. Gary Goodyear delivered
Canada-Armenia Parliamentary friendship group’s message.
Jason Kenney, Jim Karygiannis, Vivian Barbot, and Alexa MacDonough joined
Diran Terzian, Knar Bohdjalian–two survivors from the Genocide–and
relatives of Genocide survivors, to lay wreaths around the Centennial Flame,
in memory of the victims.
Hilda Tchoboian, the keynote speaker and Chairwoman of the European-Armenian
Federation for Justice and Democracy, emphasized the importance of being
vigilant against the Turkish Government’s denial of the Armenian Genocide.
Tchoboian also exposed the Turkish Government’s shallow attempt to divert
the attention of the international community from the recognition through
disingenuous proposals such as the creation of historians’ commission to
study the Armenian Genocide.
Representatives of the Canadian Jewish Congress, the Tutsi community of
Rwanda, and the people of Darfur addressed the gathering, recalling their
own people’s experience with Holocaust and Genocide. They pledged their
solidarity with the Armenian People.
The suffering of Armenian Genocide victims was relayed by former Senator
Raymone Setlakwe, whose father survived the 1894 massacres and by Alex
Aghadjanian, grandson of Genocide survivor Naida Aghadjanian.
At the end of the commemoration participants laid carnations around the
Centennial Flame.
The same day the House of Commons observed a moment of silence to
commemorate the Armenian Genocide.
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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
Montreal – Laval – Ottawa – Toronto – Hamilton – Cambridge – St.
Catharines – Windsor – Vancouver