Statement by Minister Chagger on Genocide Remembrance, Condemnation and Prevention Month

OTTAWA, April 1, 2021

In 2015, the House of Commons designated April as Genocide Remembrance, Condemnation, and Prevention Month. During this month, we honour the memory of the victims of genocide and reflect on the root causes of these tragedies, so that they never happen again.

Throughout history, generations have been lost and suffered the indelible impacts of genocides, including the Holocaust, Holodomor, Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, Armenian Genocide or any of the other tragic examples of unbridled hatred and violence. It is our collective responsibility to honour and give voice to the victims and survivors of genocide by learning about these horrific events and ensuring we preserve the truth of this history.

As we continue to build an even better and consciously more inclusive country, we must all stand up against prejudice, hate as well as all forms of racism and discrimination, which can lead to such tragic consequences. We must also commit to protecting the human rights and dignity of everyone in Canada and around the world.

As Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth, on behalf of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the Government of Canada, I encourage all Canadians to remember and honour the courage and resilience of the survivors of genocides and their descendants. Canada has been home for many of them and they have contributed—and continue to contribute—in shaping the strong and inclusive country we know today. Keep well and safe.