May 5th, 2016

Ontario NDP commemorates Tamil Genocide Remembrance Month

In honour of Tamil Genocide Remembrance Month , Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath announced that she will be hosting a commemorative event at Queen’s Park next week, while Deputy Leader Jagmeet Singh also delivered a statement to commemorate Tamil Genocide Remembrance Month in the Ontario Legislature. 

“The Ontario NDP stands together with Tamil Canadians in remembering the thousands of loved ones, families and friends that were killed during the genocide in Sri Lanka.  New Democrats stand in solidarity with the Tamil community in their struggle for justice for the innocent children, women and men who were victims of the Tamil genocide.  We support the Tamil community on their path towards healing and reconciliation,” Horwath said.

“I invite all members of the Tamil community to join me, and the Ontario NDP caucus, at Queen’s Park to commemorate Tamil Genocide Remembrance Month. You can RSVP by emailing outreach@ndp.on.ca.” 

Today, NDP Deputy Leader, Jagmeet Singh (MPP for Bramalea-Gore-Malton), also delivered the following statement in the Ontario Legislature:

“May is Tamil genocide remembrance month, and while it’s absolutely important to remember the tragedies, including the human rights violations, the war crimes and, in fact, the genocide that the Tamil community has endured, it’s also important to note that these adversities are ongoing and the Tamil community continues to face oppression at the hands of the Sri Lankan government.

Despite these adversities, the Tamil community has shown such tremendous resilience. In fact, they continue to thrive in the diaspora. In addition, they’ve shown inspirational commitment to celebrating their arts, music, culture and, in fact, their language. It’s something that inspires us all.

On a personal note, as a Sikh, our community has also endured genocide and it’s for that reason I also stand in solidarity with the Tamil community.

In addition, Andrea Horwath and all New Democrats stand in solidarity with the Tamil community in remembering the past injustices and the ongoing oppression. In fact, we also stand in solidarity with the ongoing struggle for a permanent solution based on peace, freedom and justice for the Tamil people in their nation of Tamil Eelam.

On May 9, at 3 p.m., the NDP will be hosting a memorial event to remember the genocide and all those who lost their lives. It’ll be held at 3 p.m. in the NDP caucus boardroom.”