Statement By Premier McGuinty Marking The Holodomor
Ukrainian Canadian Congress – Ontario Provincial Council applauds statement
by Premier Dalton McGuinty marking the Holodomor
Statement By Premier McGuinty Marking The Holodomor
We are extremely fortunate to live in a strong, caring province. One of the
great things about Ontario is that we welcome people from around the world.
And while we all call Ontario our home, we know that many of our fellow
Ontarians remain deeply and profoundly connected to their homeland.
That is why it is so important that all Ontarians recognize and remember the
horror that took place in Ukraine during the darkest days of the Stalinist
regime. The deeply tragic events of the Holodomor touched the lives of
Ontarians of Ukrainian descent — which means it touches all of us.
During the years 1932 and 1933, some ten million people starved tragically
and needlessly in Ukraine. A region that had been called the “breadbasket of
Europe” lost the ability to feed its own population. Parents watched
helplessly as their children died of hunger. The elderly — after a lifetime
of labour — were denied the dignity of declining years lived in peace and
security. At the peak of the famine, 25,000 people died each day.
These events are now consigned to history. And the suffering that occurred —
while deep — grows more distant each year. That is why it is so important to
honour the memory of the millions of lives, hopes and dreams that were cut
short. We can — and we must — remember this genocide and teach our young
people about it — and about the sanctity of all human life.
That is why it is important that governments do their part to promote
awareness of the Holodomor. We all have a duty to make knowledge and
information available to our children and grandchildren.
Ontario has enacted the Holodomor Memorial Day Act. The legislation is the
result of all political parties coming together in a common cause. Under the
legislation, the fourth Saturday in November will be a day of remembrance.
In support of this initiative, the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and
Immigration’s website is helping to raise awareness of the Holodomor. It
contains a resource that parents and teachers can use to teach children
about the great suffering — and also the tremendous courage — of the
Ukrainian people.
Our government supports Ukraine’s efforts to raise international awareness
of the Holodomor and I am proud of the work done by my colleague, Brant MPP
Dave Levac. I congratulate him on the great honour of becoming Chevalier of
Ukraine’s Order of Merit.
Throughout Ontario, there are thousands of people of Ukrainian descent who
work hard to build good lives for their families and to create a stronger
Ontario for all of us. This diversity helps to make Ontario the best
province in the greatest country in the world.
But such good fortune also comes with an obligation to honour and remember
the culture, history and achievements of those nations that have given to us
some of their best and brightest sons and daughters. And that is why it is
up to all of us to stand together with the Ukrainian people to remember
their darkest hours and to celebrate their progress in building a free and
strong society.
Premier’s Media Office: 416-314-8975
