Ottawa, August 23, 2014 – Ministers Jason Kenney and Chris Alexander issued the following statement recognizing Black Ribbon Day:
“Today is Black Ribbon Day, a day of remembrance for victims of Communist and Nazi tyranny.
“Seventy-five years ago today, the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact between Germany and the former Soviet Union was signed, marking a sinister partnership that led to the violent occupation of numerous European countries, the slaughter and oppression of their citizens and, ultimately, the Second World War itself.
“Black Ribbon Day aims to preserve the memory of the tens of millions who suffered the horrific evils of Communism and Nazism. Twenty five years ago, Canada’s Central and Eastern European communities were instrumental in initiating Black Ribbon Day. This day is now commemorated in close to a dozen European nations under several names, and was officially declared a national day of remembrance in Canada in 2009.
“Today, let us take this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law.”
For further information (media only), please contact:
Alexandra Fortier
Minister’s Office
819-994-2482
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-1650
CIC-Media-Relations@cic.gc.ca
