EDITORIAL: Multiculturalism and inclusiveness (09/05/99)

EDITORIAL

Multiculturalism and inclusiveness

The debate in Canada over a museum of the Holocaust now seems to have been transformed into a dispute over parallel versus combined efforts to set up an institution that commemorates victims and draws lessons from the past to give instruction to the present and future.

Some quarters, including the B'nai Brith, insist on a "dedicated" Holocaust project, noting that such a facility "could provide an environment for learning about the many acts of racism and atrocity around the world ... which have their parallels in the various stages of the Holocaust." Thus, the argument goes, it would be "inclusive of the experiences of many ethnic groups." Others have suggested two separate museums: one dealing solely with the Holocaust; the other a "generic" genocide museum.

We strongly resist both the comparative genocides approach, whereby one genocide is elevated above others, and the idea of two separate museums, which to us smacks of segregation and discrimination. Why should there even be a conflict over an all-inclusive museum dedicated to recognizing the victims of genocides?

Member of Parliament Sarkis Assadourian, who earlier this year introduced a bill to mandate the commemoration of the 20th century's crimes against humanity via an exhibit at Canada's Museum of Civilization, is now urging that Canadian citizens and other concerned individuals write to Prime Minister Jean Chrétien to support the creation of a Canadian Museum of Reconciliation. Such a museum, Mr. Assadourian believes, would give due recognition to all victims of genocide and crimes against humanity in the 20th century.

Mr. Assadourian's office suggests the following arguments: Canadians from many diverse backgrounds have been affected by crimes against humanity that have taken place throughout the 20th century. As we approach the new millennium, the creation of the Canadian Museum of Reconciliation will assure equality and justice to all victims without classification or prioritization. An all-inclusive museum reflecting Canada's multicultural make-up and serving to build unity among all communities in Canada will also illustrate the importance of peacekeeping to Canada's foreign policy as it continues to oppose crimes against humanity.

Furthermore, the MP suggests that Mr. Chrétien be urged to make the Canadian Museum of Reconciliation a reality at the beginning of the 21st century by announcing its creation in the upcoming Throne Speech (which outlines the government's plans), a move that would make this issue a matter of consideration for the Cabinet. (The PM's mailing address is: The Right Honorable Jean Chrétien, Prime Minister of Canada, Langevin Block, 80 Wellington St., Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A6.)

The Ukrainian Weekly joins with such Ukrainian organizations as the Ukrainian Canadian Civil Liberties Association and the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, as well as other ethno-cultural groups, to voice its strong support for Mr. Assadourian's efforts. At the same time, we call on Canadian Jewish organizations to support this initiative.

Canada has the opportunity to be an innovator and leader on this issue. Its multicultural society deserves no less than an all-inclusive Museum of Reconciliation.

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