Ottawa, November 10, 2010 - Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney today released the following statement:
"I congratulate the second annual conference of the Inter-parliamentary Coalition for Combating Antisemitism (ICCA) for concluding with the development of the Ottawa Protocol.
"This week marks the 72nd anniversary of Kristallnacht, when Jewish homes and properties were attacked in Germany and Austria in 1938. In remembering this, this Protocol is a fitting way to conclude an event that has drawn parliamentarians, dignitaries and experts from more than two dozen countries.
"The Government of Canada is a leader in the fight against anti-Semitism.
"The Ottawa Protocol complements what Canada is already doing. Among other things, it calls for leaders of faith groups to combat all hatred and discrimination, including anti-Semitism; governments to reaffirm and implement the Genocide Convention; establishment of an international task force to identify and monitor hate on the Internet and; the development of a comprehensive facility to record all hate crimes, including anti-Semitism.
"It also fits with Canada's recent efforts. For example, we have become a member of the Task Force for International Cooperation on Holocaust Education, Remembrance, and Research, and launched new programs to promote integration and social cohesion of Canadians from all backgrounds.
"Canada has a proud history of promoting human rights and combating hate and discrimination. The Government supports a coordinated global effort against hatred and anti-Semitism.
"The Ottawa Protocol marks an important step in such an effort. I would like to deeply thank the parliamentarians, dignitaries and officials who worked to develop it."
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For further information (media only), please contact:
Celyeste Power
Minister's Office
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-1650
CIC-Media-Relations@cic.gc.ca
ICCA
Matt Salvatore
Fleishman-Hillard Canada
matt.salvatore@fleishman.ca
613-288-3272
