Wrzesnewskyj Stunned by Conservative Intrigue with Holodomor Famine-Genocide Bill

NP Issue 44 printed the exchange between James Bezan (Selkirk-Interlake, CPC) and the Hon. Jason Kenney (Secretary of State (Multiculturalism and Canadian Identity), CPC (October 31, 2007) with reference to the Holodomor in the House of Commons, Parliament of Canada. Following this exchange, MP Borys Wrzesnewskyj (Etobicoke Centre, Lib) rose in the House of Commons on a point of order (see below).

 Ottawa – Liberal MP Borys Wrzesnewskyj (Etobicoke Centre) is saddened by the Conservative government’s ongoing cynical conduct over the commemoration of the victims of the Ukrainian Holodomor/Famine-Genocide.

“Today the Conservative government lauded itself in the House of Commons for co-sponsoring a resolution with Ukraine at UNESCO to commemorate the Ukrainian Holodomor/Famine-Genocide, yet Conservative Members voted down a bill commemorating the Holodomor in Canada’s own House of Commons. If the Conservative government can support such a resolution at the UN, why can’t it support such a bill in Canada’s House of Commons?” stated Wrzesnewskyj.

“I’m especially saddened that when I pointed this out in the House of Commons, the Secretary of State stooped to saying it is ‘a complete falsehood,’” said Wrzesnewskyj.

Exchange in the House of Commons, October 31, 2007

Mr. Borys Wrzesnewskyj (Etobicoke Centre, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order.

The Holodomor was referenced during question period. The record will show that back in June, a private member’s bill to commemorate this famine genocide was defeated by the Conservative members voting against this bill, including the House leader of the Conservatives and the House whip.

The Speaker: It does sound a lot like a matter for debate. The chair does not get into whether facts are facts.

Hon. Jason Kenney: Mr. Speaker, I would like to confirm your judgment that obviously that is a point of debate, but also a complete falsehood.

The Speaker: I know the Secretary of State is trying to be helpful, but I am not sure he was successful with that particular intervention.

In early June 2007, Wrzesnewskyj introduced his Bill C-450, the Ukrainian Holodomor-Genocide Remembrance Day Act. On June 14, 2007 Wrzesnewskyj motion to pass his Bill C-450 was voted down by a number of Conservative MPs yelling “NO” including Conservative House Leader Peter Van Loan and Conservative Whip Jay Hill. It should be noted that Wrzesnewskyj’s Bill C-450 was seconded by Conservative MP Inky Mark and supported by Liberal, NDP and Bloc Qubcois MPs.