In the Spring of 1933 the number of deaths inflicted by the Soviet regime’s forced starvation of Ukraine escalated significantly. It was the Holodomor’s deadliest year. By Spring there was nothing left to eat because many villages had all their food removed by decree. Deaths increased from 12,000 people per day in February to nearly 20,000 deaths per day in April of 1933.

In April each year, Ukrainians worldwide traditionally visit cemeteries to remember the dead with special memorial ceremonies held the week after Easter, when victims of the Holodomor are specifically remembered.

April Genocide Remembrance, Condemnation and Prevention Month is recognized in Canada annually through a historic motion passed in 2015. During this month, we honour the memory of the victims of genocide whose survivors Canada has welcomed along with the descendants of those who perished in the atrocities. The Holodomor is one of 9 global genocides recognized by the Government of Canada and 7 of it’s provincial legislatures.

April 16 is designated as Holodomor Remembrance Day in Schools by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress.