UCC appears before parliamentary committee to promote an inclusive museum of genocide (08/20/00)

UCC appears before parliamentary committee to promote an inclusive museum of genocide

WINNIPEG - The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) responded to the Third Report of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage concerning Bill C-224, "An Act to Establish by the Beginning of the 21st Century an Exhibit in the Canadian Museum of Civilization to Recognize the Crimes Against Humanity, as Defined by the United Nations, that have been Perpetrated During the 20th Century." Bill C-224 was introduced into the House of Commons by Sarkis Assadourian, member of Parliament for Brampton Center.

The UCC appeared before the standing committee on June 8 and stressed the importance of the establishment of an all-inclusive Canadian genocide museum as an educational tool for future generations. The creation of this museum, noted the UCC, would also be a noble and fitting tribute to those who lost their lives through man's inhumanity to man. In creating such a museum, Canada would once again be a world leader in showing the strength which has made it one of the envied nations in the world; namely, a nation whose values make it always vigilant against intolerance and tolerant of diversity.

"The UCC is pleased that the standing committee is recommending that Heritage Canada entrust one or more academic centers with the task of researching all genocides and crimes against humanity. We hope that this is a first step towards the establishment of an all-inclusive Canadian genocide museum in the nation's capital," said UCC President Eugene Czolij.

The UCC will continue working towards the establishment of a Canadian Genocide museum. The report of the standing committee, tabled on June 15, provides much needed support in order to continue the work already started, the UCC noted.

"Ukrainian Canadians can take pride in the fact that they have contributed to furthering the concept of an all-inclusive Canadian genocide museum to honor the victims of all genocides," said Mr. Czolij. "As the work continues in this important area, our community will continue to provide the necessary leadership to ensure the success of this venture."

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