Events dated to Armenian Genocide anniversary to be held in Canada

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Canadian-Armenian community and Armenians around the world will soon commemorate the death of 1.5 million Armenians exterminated during the first genocide of the 20th century by Ottoman Turkey.



This year, the commemoration of the Armenian Genocide has particularly significant meaning because it coincides with the 5th anniversary of the adoption of Motion 380 by the House of Commons, recognizing the historic reality of the Armenian Genocide, Armenian National Committee of Canada (ANCC) told PanARMENIAN.Net

The courageous and moral decision of Canadian Parliamentarians not only helped preserve the memory of a tragic historical event, but also helped uphold the truth and pay respect to the innocent victims.



The House of Commons' recognition is a landmark acknowledgment and an important chapter in our nation's history, which pays tribute to hundreds of Canadians whose generosity and activism during the Armenian Genocide helped save thousands of Armenians from certain death. In fact, Canada was one of the leading countries to launch a relief effort to help Armenian refugees and orphans.



It is this attribute of compassionate and humanitarian vision that has helped establish Canada's reputation as a caring, tolerant, civilized and welcoming country. As such, in addition to the House of Commons and Senate recognition, the Right Hon. Stephen Harper's statement that "we have made it very clear that our recognition of the Armenian genocide represents the official position of the government of Canada" were in line with our forefathers' reputation and tradition of championing truth and justice.



Besides federal legislative and executive institutions, the overwhelming majority of Canadians through their provincial legislative assemblies in Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia also stood by the recognition of this important human rights issue.