On this day we remember the terrible loss of life and suffering endured by the Armenian people 101 years ago.
Both the Senate of Canada and the House of Commons have adopted resolutions acknowledging these events as genocide. In 2006, the Government of Canada, under the leadership of Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper, also recognized the events of 1915 as genocide.
This is a day that must be recognized solemnly, but also as an opportunity to guide us towards a bright
future. It serves as a reminder to all Canadians that we must remain a steadfast ally in the promotion of human rights and democratic freedom around the world.
We have seen in recent years how Canadians of Armenian and Turkish heritage can live and work side by
side in the spirit of tolerance and openness. That is why we encourage Armenia and Turkey to recognize
shared values and seek a path towards reconciliation.
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Now more than a century later – and as Armenians prepare to mark the 25th anniversary of their nation’s independence this year – I join all Canadians, especially those of Armenian descent, in the hope of a more peaceful future.