FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 20, 2009 Contact: Roupen Kouyoumdjian
Canadian-Armenian Community Commemorates the Death of 1.5 Million Armenians
Ottawa – The Canadian-Armenian community and Armenians around the world are commemorating the death of 1.5 million Armenians, exterminated during the first genocide of the 20th century by Ottoman Turkey.
The various 94th Armenian Genocide commemoration events, which started on April 19, will culminate on Parliament Hill on April 24.
This significant memorial ceremony will recall the horrendous crime against humanity and to thank the Canadian people for their support. Various members of the House of Commons will accompany the survivors to place flowers around the Eternal Flame.
The solidarity and support of Canadians to commemorate the 94th anniversary is not only for the victims of the Armenian Genocide but to all victim nations of genocide, Holocaust, war crimes and human rights abuses around the world. We, as Canadians, should send a clear message to the international community that such crimes will not be tolerated, forgotten, denied, and repeated. We owe it to the millions of martyrs who paid the ultimate price for intolerance, xenophobia, and hatred.
The sombre commemoration will begin at 12:30 p.m. on April 24, on Parliament Hill, and will come to an end at 1:30 p.m.
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.
The courageous and moral decision of Canadian Parliamentarians not only helped preserve the memory of a tragic historical event, but also helped us uphold the truth and pay our respects 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.
To celebrate this momentous event, the ANCC is organizing a reception to pay tribute to our federal legislative and executive members. Religious leaders, representatives of other community organizations, political representatives, members of the diplomatic corps, and representatives of other genocide victim nations will attend the reception.
The reception starts at 6:00 p.m. on April 28 at Room 200 of the West Block.
Please see below list of the Armenian Genocide commemoration events in various cities
Ottawa
What: Commemoration in front of the House of Commons
When: Friday, April 24th, 2009 - 12:30 pm
Where: Centre Block, Parliament Hill
Contact: Mr. Aris Babikian
Tel: 613-235-2622
What: House of Commons’ 5th anniversary recognition
When: Tuesday April 28th, 2009 – 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Where: Room 200, West Block, House of Commons
Contact: Aris Babikian
Tel: 613-235-2622
Toronto
What: Inter-communal Requiem
When: Friday April 24th, 2009 - 8:00 PM
Where: Holy Trinity Church, 920 Progress Avenue, Scarborough, ON
Keynote speaker: Rev. Krikor Aghabaloglu
Contact: Mr. Hagop Janbazian
Tel: 416 - 885-1430
What: Toronto Armenian Youth Candle light vigil
When: Monday, April 27th, 2009 - 7:00 pm
Where: Queens Park, Toronto, Ontario
Contact: Araz Hasserjian
Tel: 416. 697-7272
What: Toronto Armenian Community Commemoration
When: Sunday, April 26th, 2009 - 2:00 pm
Where: Armenian Community Centre, 45 Hallcrown Place
Key Note Speaker: Non
Contact: Liz Balian
Tel: (416) 587 3319
Montreal
What: Walk for Remembrance Montreal and Laval
When: Thursday, April 23th, 2009 – 7:30 pm
Where: Armenian Community Centre, 3401 Olivar-Asselin
To: The Genocide Museum on Henri Bourassa
Contact: Roupen Kouyoumjian / Hrayr Kargeozian
Tel: (514) 334-1299
What: Montreal and Laval Communities Commemoration
When: Sunday, April 26th, 2009 – 7:00 pm
Where: Armenian Community Centre, 3401 Olivar-Asselin
Keynote Speaker: Mr. Mourad Papazian
Contact: Roupen Kouyoumjian / Hrayr Kargeozian
Tel: (514) 334-1299
Vancouver
What: Genocide Commemoration
When: Sunday, April 26th 2009 - 3:00 PM
Where: Vancouver Jewish Community Centre, WOSK Auditorium
950 West 41st Avenue, Vancouver, B.C.
Keynote Speaker: Adam Jones, Associate Professor, UBC Okanagan and author of “Genocide: A Comprehensive Introduction”
Special Guest: Michele Wegner, son of Armin T. Wegner
Contact: Jack Der Hagopian -Tel: (604) 617-6866-jderagopian@fransenengineering.com
Vahe Andonian - Tel: (604) 240 5490 vandonian@gmail.com
Arthur Tachdjian – arthurtachdjian@yahoo.ca
Hamilton
What: Genocide Commemoration
When: Sunday April 26th 2009 - 2:30 PM
Where: ACC Hamilton, 191 Barton St, Stoney Creek, ON
Contact: Mr. Hagop Apkarian
Tel: 905-304-4908
Cambridge
What: Genocide Commemoration
When: Sunday April 26th 2009 – 3:00 PM
Where: ACC Cambridge, 15 International Village Drive, Cambridge, ON
Keynote Speaker: Ms. Marsha Skrypuch
Contact: Kevork Garabedian
Tel. (519) 897-5900
St. Catharines
What: Genocide Commemoration
When: Sunday April 19th 2009 – 4:00 PM
Where: ACC St. Catharines, 156 Martindale Road, St. Catharines, ON
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The ANCC is the largest and the most influential Canadian-Armenian grassroots political organization. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout Canada and affiliated organizations around the world, the ANCC actively advances the concerns of the Canadian-Armenian community on a broad range of issues.
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Le CNAC est l'organisation politique canadienne-arménienne la plus large et influentielle. Collaborant avec une série de bureaux, chapitres et souteneurs à travers le Canada et des organisations affiliées à travers le monde, le CNAC s'occupe activement des inquiétudes de la communauté canadienne-arménienne.