New Democrats Official Statement, For Immediate release, Nov.21, 2014
Victoria – Bruce Ralston, the New Democrat spokesperson for trade and multiculturalism recently introduced a private members bill in the B.C Legislature that would allow the province to officially recognize the fourth Saturday of each November as a day to commemorate the anniversary of the Ukrainian Famine and Genocide (Holodomor) in Ukraine.
Ralston said, “The B.C. New Democrats stand with Canadians of Ukrainian descent and people around the world to honour Holodomor and the memories of the millions of innocent women, men and children who died of starvation in this infamous famine between 1932 and 1933. We condemn this horrific crime against humanity and the policies responsible for the terrible events.”
BC Legislative Assembly. Photo: J. Hayward
B.C Premier Christy Clark declined to support the bill, despite the Parliament of Canada, the Provincial Legislatures of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec all officially recognizing the Holodomor. Ralston also introduced this bill in 2009.
“It is very disappointing to see the premier refusing to see how important this day of memorial is. The Ukrainian-Canadian community has made so many significant contributions to Canadian society and in commemorating the Holodomor; Canadian’s reaffirm our commitment to champion human rights, freedom and to live in a just, equitable society.
“Some of the survivors of the Holodomor and their descendants reside in British Columbia and have contributed greatly to British Columbia’s cultural, economic, political and educational life, and it is time that we pay tribute to them.”
Copies of the MLA Bruce Ralstons letter on recognition of Holodomor asking for the BC Premiers support for the bill recognizing Holodomor and BC Premiers letter re- Holomodor of reply are attached.
Bruce Ralston’s bill, the Ukrainian Famine and Genocide (Holodomor) Memorial Day Act, can be found here:http://www.leg.bc.ca/40th3rd/1st_read/m207-1.htm
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