About Canada and the Holocaust

Learn more about the history of Canada and the Holocaust and how our response shaped our society.  Discover the resources available for remembrance and education about the Holocaust. Learn more about Canada’s role in hosting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance and about the appointment of Canada’s Special Envoy on Preserving Holocaust Remembrance and Combatting Antisemitism.

Remembering the Holocaust

International Holocaust Remembrance Day

Learn about the origin of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, January 27, and how it is commemorated in Canada.

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. In June 2022 at the IHRA plenary meeting in Stockholm, Sweden, Canada announced that it will double its annual contribution to the IHRA.

Canada’s Special Envoy on Preserving Holocaust Remembrance and Combatting Antisemitism

The Government of Canada is committed to reinforcing and strengthening Canada’s efforts to advance Holocaust education, remembrance and research. We must continue to combat antisemitism as key elements of the promotion and protection of human rights at home and abroad.

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. On November 29, 2021, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau renewed the Honourable Irwin Cotler’s appointment as Canada’s Special Envoy on Preserving Holocaust Remembrance and Combatting Antisemitism. In addition, the Government of Canada committed to making the role of the Special Envoy a permanent in Budget 2022.

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.

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