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Armenian National Committee of Canada
3401 Olivar-Asselin, Montreal, Quebec H4J 1L5
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release ~ 2004-02-25
Contact: Aris Babikian ~ (416) 497-8972 |
CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARIANS BACK THE RECOGNITION OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE |
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OTTAWA, CANADA – The Canadian House of Commons today debated a private member’s motion to recognize the Armenian Genocide. Motion M-380, which had its first Reading today, was moved by MP Madeleine Dalphond-Guiral’s (Laval Centre, BQ), and seconded by MPs Sarkis Assadourian (Brampton Centre, Liberal), Jason Kenney (Calgary Southeast, Conservative Party of Canada) and Alexa McDonough (Halifax, New Democratic Party).
The debate on Motion M-380, which reads “That this House acknowledges the Armenian genocide of 1915 and condemns this act as a crime against humanity,” started at 5:50 p.m when Ms. Dalphond-Guiral tabled the motion and delivered the opening speech recounting the history of the Armenian Genocide, its recognition in the Canadian Parliament, Turkish lobbying efforts to subvert its recognition, and the importance of the Armenian Genocide recognition by the House of Commons.
In her concluding remark, Ms. Dalphond-Guiral urged her follow members of the Parliament to support her motion to “…ensure that historical justice is rendered and give ourselves the tools we need to build a better world.” She continued by saying “During their lives, individuals and peoples are often wounded. The deeper the wounds, the longer it takes to heal. I truly believe that by acknowledging the genocide perpetrated on Armenian people, we will be helping to heal their scars.”
At the end of Ms. Dalphond-Guiral’s 15-minute speech, the floor was opened for questions. Hon. Eleni Bakopanos, MPs Sarkis Assadourian and Maurice Vellacott asked for additional clarifications about the ramification of the recognition of the Armenian Genocide, especially the possibility of economic threats by the Turkish Government when a country recognizes the Armenian Genocide. Ms. Dalphond-Guiral considered the Turkish government’s tactic as “…another form of pressure.” She also added that such pressure “ will not have the intended influence.”
Hon. Dan McTeague, parliamentary secretary of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, then delivered the Canadian Government’s official stand. There was nothing new in Hon. McTeague’s remarks. He repeated of the arguments of the past four years.
Members of Parliament, Bill Casey (Cumberland-Colchester, CPC), Alexa McDonough (Halifax, NDP), Jason Kenney (Calgary Southeast, CPC), and Sarkis Assadourian (Brampton Centre, Liberal) spoke in favour of the recognition. The only dissenting voice against the recognition was MP Stan Dromisky (Thunder Bay-Atikokan, Liberal). Mr. Dromisky, the founder of Canadian-Turkish Parliamentary Friendship group, parroted the Turkish Government’s party line.
At the end of the one-hour debate, the motion was adjourned for the Second Reading to take place in late March. According to the rules of procedures of the House of Commons, private members’ motion is subject of two readings of one hour each. At the second reading the house must vote on the motion.
A large number of Canadian-Armenians and Canadian-Turks followed the proceeding from the gallery of the House of Commons. The Armenian ambassador, His Excellency Ara Babian and the Turkish ambassador were also present in the gallery.
The Armenian National Committee of Canada (ANCC) which is actively involved in promoting the passing of the motion, sent a delegation to Ottawa prior to Ms. Dalphond-Guiral’s historic proposal. The delegation worked closely with Ms. Dalphond-Guiral during and after the debate to sensitize parliamentarians and to solicit their support for M-380. Two weeks before the debate ANCC mailed a specially prepared brief to all members of the House. In addition, when The Assembly of Turkish American Associations launched its campaign to defeat the motion, ANCC mobilized the Canadian-Armenian community to counter and expose the Turkish Government’s propaganda campaign. The ANCC’s e-mail, post-card and phone campaign to Canadian Parliamentarians were very successful.
Jirair Basmedjian, ANCC president, expressed the Armenian community’s gratitude and appreciation to Ms. Dalphond-Guiral, the seconddrs of M-380, Hon. Jim Karaygainnis (Sacrborough-Agincourt, Liberal) and other speakers who withstood the pressure of the Turkish Government’s spin masters. of the Turkish Government. “We salute the courage and the conviction of all Members who were determined to see the truth and justice prevail. We urge all members of the House to follow in the footsteps of their colleagues and vote in favour M-380.” said Basmedjian.
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