Canada Remembers Holodomor Victims

Ottawa, November 19, 2012 - Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird issued the following statement:

“This week, we stand with people of Ukrainian descent across Canada and around the world in remembering the Holodomor - the catastrophic famine of 1932-33 that claimed the lives of millions of Ukrainian men, women and children …

“The Holodomor was genocide by starvation perpetrated by the ruthless Stalin regime to stamp out the Ukrainian people’s aspirations for a free and independent country.

“Their suffering and sacrifice compels us to recognize that, still today, far too many people around the world are denied their basic rights, freedoms and dignity. Our shared humanity compels us to keep working toward what is right and just for all.

“In 2008, Canada recognized the Holodomor as an act of genocide and designated the fourth Saturday of November as a memorial day dedicated to remembering the victims of the Ukrainian famine and genocide.”

NP – Statements on the Holodomor were made in the House of Commons on Nov. 19 by James Bezan (MP - Selkirk-Interlake) and the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Diane Ablonczy who rose to address the Speaker and said: “We stand with the people of Ukrainian descent across Canada and around the world to mark this sad chapter of history. The horror and tragedy of the Holodomor must never be forgotten.

“Rest assured, our government will continue to speak up for democracy, human rights and freedom.”