Canadian Government Statement on Holodomor

PM Stephen Harper
Ottawa, November 25, 2011 - Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement commemorating the 78th anniversary of the Holodomor:

“On Saturday, November 26, I join Canadians in remembering and honouring the millions of men, women and children who suffered horribly and perished during the Ukrainian famine-genocide of 1932-1933. Moreover, I encourage all Canadians to participate in the many Holodomor commemoration ceremonies taking place this weekend across the country to learn about this terrible episode in human history.

“The Ukrainian famine, under the oppressive Soviet communist regime of Josef Stalin, remains one of the most atrocious crimes against humanity ever perpetrated. It also reminds us of the real importance of our country’s commitment to the protection and promotion of freedom, democracy and human rights.

“In 2008, Canada became the first nation to recognize the Holodomor as an act of genocide and passed legislation which establishes the fourth Saturday in November as Holodomor Memorial Day. Two years later, in October 2010, I had the honour of visiting the Holodomor Memorial and Museum in Kyiv, Ukraine where I observed a moment of silence in remembrance of its victims.

“Canada is home to more than one million Canadians of Ukrainian descent, many of whom lost loved ones in the Holodomor. We join with them on this solemn day to remember this sad chapter in their history that we vow never to forget.”

Minister Jason Kenney

Ottawa, November 25, 2011 – The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, issued the following statement to commemorate the 78th anniversary of the Holodomor:

On Saturday, November 26, Canadians will remember one of the greatest tragedies of the last century: The deliberate starvation of millions of men, women and children in Ukraine between 1932 and 1933.

Those deaths resulted from the murderous policies of the Soviet regime under Josef Stalin. The famine-genocide in Ukraine remains among the worst crimes against humanity ever perpetuated.

In 2008,  I had the privilege of representing the Government of Canada that year at the solemn 75th anniversary commemoration of the Holodomor in Kyiv, Ukraine. Three years later, we remain committed to memorializing the Holodomor victims and to promoting international recognition.

Every year, parliamentarians join with the Ukrainian-Canadian community in commemorating the Holodomor on Parliament Hill, as we did again on November 22. Moreover, Canadians take part in Holodomor memorial gatherings held across the country.

In doing so, Canada honours the memory of those who perished, reaffirms our shared obligation to prevent future atrocities, and expresses our unwavering commitment to freedom and human rights.

As Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, I stand with that community and with all Canadians in commemorating the Ukrainian Famine and Genocide of 1932-33.