The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued statements in commemoration of Holocaust Memorial Day held on 27 January, that honors the six million Jews brutally massacred during the Holocaust and the millions of other people killed under Nazi persecution.
“Today, we honor the more than 6 million Jews who were brutally murdered by the Nazi regime and its collaborators. We honor the countless Romani; members of the LGBTQ2I community; persons with disabilities; and political dissidents who were persecuted and killed, as well as all those who stood against the Nazi atrocities.
“The Shoah was a period of monstrous injustice and human suffering that mercifully came to an end with the end of the Second World War. But we know that the scourge of antisemitism is still with us today.” He wrote.
The Minister also highlighted that in November 2020, Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau named Irwin Cotler as Canada’s special envoy on preserving Holocaust remembrance and combatting antisemitism.
He stated: “Mr. Cotler’s mandate underscores the fact that remembering past horrors is a critically important part of resisting atrocities today and in the future.
“Mr. Cotler is to lead Canada’s delegation to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) and will work with IHRA partner countries to strengthen and promote Holocaust education, remembrance and research in Canada and around the world.” He added.
“Mr. Cotler’s mandate underscores the fact that remembering past horrors is a critically important part of resisting atrocities today and in the future.” – Marc Garneau
Canada has been resilient, in the promotion and protection of human rights at home and abroad. The Government of Canada has announced a $2 million in funding to support a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization initiative to prevent genocide. The funding is to be delivered in conjunction with the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
“This initiative addresses the rise of antisemitism and other forms of hate and discrimination through education and intercultural dialogue.
“On this important day, we remember and stand with the victims of the Holocaust and with all who strive for justice, human rights and dignity.” Mr. Garneau wrote.
The theme for Holocaust Memorial Day 2021 is “be the light in the darkness”. The pandemic has prevented families from being together, the already difficult Memorial Day will be even more challenging for many.