OTTAWA—On April 23, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement on the commemoration of the Armenian genocide:
“I would like to extend my sincere greetings to all of those marking this somber anniversary of the Medz Yeghern.
“Ninety-six 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.’ I and my party 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, while I encourage you to continue honoring your forefathers by building a bright future for all in Canada.”
Simple, straight forward and factual with no BS! Well said Prime Minister Harper. That’s what I like to hear from a true leader.
Canada seems to have weathered the economic crisis well and their PM seems to respect the Armenian community. As a resident of California I wonder if a move north really is such a big deal. The obvious weather issue would be a downfall but I’ve heard British Columbia is a wonderful destination to visit. Anyone know about how much snowfall they actually get or how developed their Armenian community is? Church, Agoump, School etc.?
Not only has Canada recognized the Armenian genocide, but our small 2,000 person community in Vancouver succeeded in getting the British Columbia legislature to recognize it as well. People who live here think it’s the best place in the World. World-class ski hills in winter, great beaches in summer. We get little or no snow in the city. No wonder it wins Most-livable city in the World time and time again.
We have two Churches split unfortunately along political lines but we have many events that are held jointly during the year including Genocide Mass which alternates from one Church to another and the occasional New Year’s celebration.
Leave the hypocrisy of the US and come join our community in Vancouver, Canada.
True North Strong And Free!! Canada’s economy is way stronger and better than US..amount of snow fall in Southern parts of Canada, beside BC is very minimal, compare to some States such as New York, IL, or Minnesota, during winter times!!
cmon, toronto is no different than chicago or new york
Well-done Canada! True faces shown by actions, not words.
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, your words, your actions recognizing the Turkish Genocide of the Armenian nation, stated simply and clearly, is honesty – loud and clear. The end to the cycle of
Genocides must be addressed as innocents are slaughtered, raped, kidnapped and worse by those despots who are not made to face their crimes. Hence, despots are winners – victims, the losers. Turkey’s denials, against so many nations/states, International Genocide organization, 42 of the 50 states of the USA, Archives in many nations whose citizens witnessed/recorded what Turkish leaderships planned and pursued to eliminate the Armenian nation. Too, Turk leaderships over the nearly 100 years continue to deny their guilt. And yet, Turks recently abused the memorial site of our
President Woodrow Wilson (in Washington DC) since he had been forthright in seeking to give aid to the Armenians… this the Turks can recall. But Turks cannot recall their Genocides – Turkish style.
We got 21 countries recognizing the genocide! Why do we need the US? Let’s take Turkey to court!
hey Zohrab,
Although the majority of Armenian-Canadians reside in Montreal and Toronto, there is a community in Vancouver, they have several churches, and agoumps (ARF, Parikordzagan etc). as for school’s, I’m not 100% certain, but I think they have saturday schools. There’s more rain than snow in Vancouver.
Canada is a great country which makes moral issues, it didn’t support the war in Iraq, and refused to send soldiers. If only it’s neighbour was just as courageous
We know who our friends are.