ACTION ITEM (04/25/99)

ACTION ITEM

Canadian Citizens:

To support Bill C-479, introduced by Member of Parliament Sarkis Assadourian, mandating the establishment of an exhibit recognizing crimes against humanity at the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Ottawa, thereby supporting the concept of an inclusive museum on genocide, call, write, e-mail your MP and ask him/her to support the bill. If you don't know who your MP is or how to reach the person, call 1-800-463-6868. Follow up with a personal phone call two weeks later.

Call, write, e-mail the Cabinet official responsible for oversight of the CMC, Sheila Copps, Minister of Canadian Heritage, 15 Eddy St., Hull, Québec, K1A 0M5; telephone, (819) 997-7788; e-mail, [email protected]. Be sure to follow up.

Call, write, e-mail the person in charge of the CMC, Joe Geurts, acting president and CEO, Museum of Civilization, 100 Laurier St., Hull, Québec, J8X 4H2; telephone (819) 776-7116; e-mail, [email protected]; and Sylvie Morel, Director General of exhibitions and programs; telephone, (819) 776-8302; e-mail, [email protected]. Follow up, as well.

Call, write or e-mail local newspapers, radio and TV stations. Inform staffers about Bill C-479, explain the need for an inclusive exhibit on genocide and crimes against humanity, and ask for coverage of the issue. Follow up.

In addition, Canadian citizens should add their names to a petition currently circulating addressed to "the House of Commons of Canada in Parliament Assembled," and aid in the collection of signatures on this petition.

Mail the petition (no postage required in Canada) to your member of Parliament.

The text follows:

"We, the undersigned citizens of Canada draw the attention of the House to the following:

"Whereas Canadians from many diverse backgrounds have been affected by crimes against humanity that have taken place in the 20th century;

"And whereas we see the need to support the creation of an exhibition, within the Canadian Museum of Civilization;

"To emphasize the value of recognizing the suffering of all victims of crimes against humanity in this century; and

"To serve as a reminder of man's inhumanity to man and provide lessons that humanity cannot afford to ignore such atrocities,

"Therefore, your petitioners pray and request that Parliament would support Bill C-479, the Recognition of Crimes Against Humanity Act."

- submitted by the Ukrainian Canadian Professional and Business Association of Toronto

| Home Page |