OTTAWA, June 18, 2008 - Supporting Holocaust education and combating anti-Semitism are important priorities for the Government of Canada. This is why, on behalf of the Government of Canada, the Honourable Jason Kenney, Secretary of State (Multiculturalism and Canadian Identity), was proud to announce today that Canada has received Liaison Status in its bid to receive full membership in the Task Force for International Cooperation on Holocaust Education, Remembrance and Research (ITF).
"Our Government's decision to withdraw from the racist Durban Review Process highlights our commitment not to lend Canada's good name and credibility to a conference that, under the guise of anti-racism, actually promotes racism," said Secretary of State Kenney. "Conscious of our responsibility to enhance Canadians' understanding of the Holocaust and to combat antisemitism, the Government of Canada is committed to moving Canada towards full membership in the Task Force for International Cooperation on Holocaust Education, Remembrance and Research."
Becoming a member of the Task Force is a multi step process, progressing from Observer country to Liaison country, until ultimately qualifying for full membership. Today, the Task Force has accepted Canada as a Liaison country. Liaison status is an active phase leading to full membership in the ITF. It involves partnering with other member countries on Holocaust education, remembrance, and research projects. Liaison status is the final stage before full membership.
Canada received Observer status in June 2007, and attended the December 2007 ITF plenary sessions as an Observer.
The Task Force for International Cooperation on Holocaust Education, Remembrance, and Research was created in 1998 with the goal of promoting national and international policies and programs in support of furthering understanding of the Holocaust. Members are dedicated to promoting the Stockholm Declaration through appropriate forms of Holocaust remembrance, encouraging research, and furthering education about the Holocaust.
In the last six years, the Task Force has provided funding for more than 100 Holocaust-related projects around the globe, including training programs, books, publications, and educational material.
Information: Alykhan Velshi
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Jason Kenney, PC, MP
Secretary of State (Multiculturalism and Canadian Identity)
alykhan.velshi@pch.gc.ca
