Ottawa - April 18, 2012 – The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, issued the following statement on Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day:
Yom HaShoah is a day of remembrance for the suffering and murder of millions of innocent Jewish men, women and children during the Second World War. For the Jewish community in Israel and around the world, today is a national memorial day, a day of commemoration, and a chance to reflect on the past and to pay tribute to the victims.
For all Canadians, days like this are an opportunity to learn about the Holocaust, to reflect on the pernicious effects of deep seeded hatred, and to remember the victims. The Holocaust is a crime that stands alone in human history for the scale of its horror and inhumanity. As such, it is crucial to ensure that this experience is never forgotten and that such atrocities never take place again.
In 2013, Canada will assume the role of Chair for the Task Force for International Cooperation on Holocaust Education, Remembrance and Research. I am proud of the leadership role that the Government of Canada is taking to ensure that future generations understand both the Holocaust and the roots of anti-Semitism and racism.
As Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, I call on all Canadians to reject anti-Semitism, to educate oneself and others about the Holocaust, and to remember its victims.
For further information (media only), please contact:
Ana Curic
Minister’s Office
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-954-1064
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-1650
CIC-Media-Relations@cic.gc.ca
Building a stronger Canada: Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) strengthens Canada’s economic, social and cultural prosperity, helping ensure Canadian safety and security while managing one of the largest and most generous immigration programs in the world.
