Speeches – 2008
The Honourable Jason Kenney
An Event to Recognize the 90th Anniversary of the First Republic of Armenia
Ottawa, Ontario, June 11, 2008
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Ladies and Gentlemen,
Let me begin by saying that it is a great pleasure for me to be with you today to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the First Republic of Armenia.
I attach great importance to my relationship with the Armenian community here in Canada, and I appreciate having the opportunity to participate in an event that I know is of such significance to your community.
Allow me also to say how appreciative I am of the tremendous honour that you are bestowing upon me this evening as "Man of the Year."
The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that today' s world is one where respect for human rights and democratic freedom prevails. It was this commitment which led both Houses of our Parliament to adopt resolutions recognizing the "first genocide of the twentieth century."
As many of you know, I was one of the main sponsors of the House resolution and it was a very proud moment for me when both the Senate and the House of Commons recognized the Armenian genocide.
In a letter that Prime Minister Stephen Harper sent to the Armenian National Committee of Canada, he said: "We have made it very clear that our recognition of the Armenian genocide represents the official position of the Government of Canada."
It is the policy of the Government of Canada to recognize the Armenian genocide, and that policy will not be changing.
Our Government will continue to preserve and promote human rights, here at home and around the world. They are an important part of the fundamental values that Canadians embrace, along with democracy, freedom, and the rule of law.
One of the cornerstones of our society is that all citizens benefit from equality under the law, regardless of their cultural or religious background. Our values include respect for ethnic, racial, cultural, and religious diversity.
Armenian Canadians are an integral part of this country' s history, and
Canadians of Armenian heritage have definitely made an important contribution to the Canada of today. We are very proud to claim:
- Yousuf Karsh, world-renowned portrait photographer, and
- Isabel Bayrakdarian, world-renowned soprano.
Canadians cherish freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, and we have watched with great interest as the Republic of Armenia has moved towards international standards of democracy.
Today, as we reflect on the past, I think it is also important to keep our eyes clearly focused on a bright and successful future for the people of Armenia.
In closing, I want to thank the organizers of today' s event. I look forward to continuing to work with you to promote human rights and foster public awareness about issues affecting the Armenian community abroad.
Together, we are helping create a world in which everyone can enjoy peace and stability.