About Canada and the Holocaust
The Holocaust was the systematic persecution and murder of six million Jews, organized by the Nazi State and its collaborators from 1933 to 1945.
In addition to committing genocide against the Jews, the Nazis committed genocide against the Roma and the Sinti. Other marginalized groups were also persecuted during this period, including people with disabilities, homosexual men, Slavic peoples, political opponents, Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Learn more about Canada’s role during the Holocaust and its response and see how these events have shaped our society today. Discover educational and remembrance resources dedicated to Holocaust awareness. Learn about Canada’s membership in the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance.
Remembering the Holocaust
International Holocaust Remembrance Day
Learn about the origin of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, January 27, a day dedicated to the memory of the six million Jews who were murdered in the Holocaust and the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp on January 27, 1945.
National Holocaust Monument
The National Holocaust Monument is located in Ottawa. The monument serves as a permanent reminder for Canadians to stand together against intolerance and hatred. Learn more about the construction and history of the National Holocaust Monument.
Video – David Shentow, Holocaust survivor
David Shentow, a Holocaust survivor, describes what being Canadian means to him in the video True North Strong and Free: David Shentow.
Canada and the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance
The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) is an intergovernmental body made up of government officials and experts from 35 countries. It supports Holocaust education, remembrance and research in member countries and around the world. Canada chaired IHRA from March 2013 to March 2014. Learn more about Canada and the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance and the different initiatives created during Canada’s Chair Year.
Canada contributes to and benefits from the IHRA’s work to combat antisemitism and to strengthen, advance, and promote Holocaust education, research and remembrance. On November 25, 2020, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau named the Honourable Irwin Cotler as Canada’s Special Envoy on Preserving Holocaust Remembrance and Combatting Antisemitism. Deborah Lyons was appointed to the position on October 23, 2023, and retired on July 17, 2025.
Canadian Holocaust resources
Canada has invested significantly in Holocaust education, remembrance and research. This includes supporting museums, monuments, university projects and survivor testimonies. Learn more about the Canadian Holocaust resources available to you.