Canadian Senate adopts motion on Famine-Genocide

by Peter Stieda

OTTAWA - In a historic move, the Senate of Canada on June 20 unanimously adopted a motion calling on the government of Canada to recognize the Famine-Genocide of 1932-1933 which killed 7 million to 10 million people in Ukraine.

The motion, originally moved by Sen. Raynell Andreychuk, calls for the recognition of the Ukrainian Famine-Genocide of 1932-1933 and for the condemnation of any attempt to deny or distort this historical truth as being anything less than a genocide.

It also calls for the fourth Saturday in November to be designated as a day of remembrance for those who perished during the time of the Famine; and for all Canadians, particularly historians, educators and parliamentarians, to include the true facts of the Ukrainian Famine-Genocide of 1932-1933 in the records of Canada and in future educational material.

Sen. Andreychuk expressed satisfaction and appreciation that the Senate has recognized the significance of this atrocity. "The motion represents a great step in giving a voice to all those who fell victim to the famine-genocide," she stated.

"I cannot begin to tell you the number of people in Canada, Ukraine and elsewhere who are thankful for this motion. I want to express my appreciation to the Ukrainian Canadian Congress and others throughout Canada for their determination and support to ensure that all those who suffered because of this tragedy are not forgotten," said Sen. Andreychuk.

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, June 29, 2003, No. 26, Vol. LXXI

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