Mr. Speaker, nearly a century ago, the world remained silent while 1.5 million Armenians were murdered. On April 24, 2004, the Canadian Parliament passed a motion clearly stating this truth and condemning it as a crime against humanity.
Democratic governments from around the world must ensure that this grim and tragic historical event is never forgotten. We must always remember the brutal words of Adolf Hitler during the planning of the Holocaust when he said, “Who today remembers the extermination of Armenians?”
We mark this day. We remember the fate of the Armenians—men, women, and children—who died in the 1915 tragedy. We must recommit ourselves to protecting human rights and dignity for all people wherever they live.
Today, the House joins with 50,000 Canadians of Armenian heritage to remember and work to create a future of peace and reconciliation.