21 April 2009
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement today to mark Yom Hashoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day):
"Today Canadians from coast to coast will stand together in remembering the millions of innocent people who were killed during the Holocaust.
"It is important that we take this opportunity to remember the suffering endured by the victims of the Holocaust and their families. It helps keep strong the conviction in our hearts to do everything we can – through our actions and our words – to stand firm against the forces of intolerance and remain vigilant against genocide. Only through these continued efforts can we ensure that such atrocities never happen again.
"Our government remains vigilant, both at home and abroad, against all forms of racism and discrimination, including the malignant hatreds of Holocaust denial and anti-Semitism. We oppose and condemn anti-Semitism no matter where it is found and no matter what shape it takes.
"We are committed to ensuring that future generations understand the causes and consequences of the Holocaust. We will continue to work closely with the State of Israel and all of our partners to ensure that the lessons of the Holocaust are never forgotten.
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Canadian Society for Yad Vashem for organizing this year's ceremony and moment of silence in Ottawa."
