Canadian politicians across the country have issued statements to mark Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day, commemorating the tens of thousands of Tamils massacred by the Sri Lankan state in May 2009. Political leaders renewed calls for truth, accountability, and justice for the genocide committed against the Tamil people by Sri Lanka.
Prime Minister Mark Carney posted on X: “On Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day, we honour the tens of thousands of civilians killed during the Sri Lankan Civil War and stand with the survivors, families, and communities who endured profound suffering — including many in Canada’s Tamil diaspora.”
In his full statement, he underlined that Canada formally recognised May 18th as Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day in 2022.
Ministers and Members of Parliament issued statements to mark the day.
Pierre Poilievre, Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, issued the following statement:
“Seventeen years ago, the horrific massacre at Mullivaikkal brought the Sri Lankan Civil War to its tragic and bloody close. On Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day, we mourn the victims of this great crime of our era; honouring the survivors and repeating our calls for justice. Today as ever, Conservatives are proud of Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s principled boycott of the 2013 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Sri Lanka. We remain firm in our commitment that the Rajapaksa regime must face justice for their crimes, and that Canada cannot be a land of refuge for the perpetrators of genocide. As you mark this solemn date, His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition joins you in looking forward to a just and peaceful tomorrow.”
Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, stated:
“Today, we commemorate the victims of the Tamil genocide and honour the memory of those who lost their lives. We stand with Tamil communities in Oakville East, across Canada, and around the world in remembrance, reflection, and the continued pursuit of justice, peace, and human rights."
Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy, wrote:
"Today, we mark Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day and honour the memories of the tens of thousands of innocent civilians who lost their lives during the final stages of the armed conflict in Sri Lanka. Canada is home to one of the largest Tamil diasporas in the world, whose contributions continue to strengthen our communities and our country. As we reflect on this solemn anniversary, we reaffirm the importance of truth, accountability, justice, human rights, and ensuring these tragedies are never forgotten."
Rob Oliphant, Member of Parliament for Don Valley West, stated:
“On Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day, we join Tamil communities in Canada and around the world in remembering the lives lost and those who remain missing following the end of the conflict in Sri Lanka. Today, I stand in solidarity with Tamil Canadians as they honour their loved ones and underscore the importance of remembrance, accountability, and lasting peace.”
Michael Coteau, MP for Scarborough-Woburn, posted:
“Today marks the 17th anniversary of the end of the armed conflict in Sri Lanka, marking Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day. This day is observed annually by members of the Tamil community in Canada and around the world. For many Tamil-Canadians, today serves as an occasion to remember loved ones, reflect on the humanitarian consequences of the conflict, and gather in community through memorials, vigils, religious services, and public commemorations around the country. I would like to extend my thoughts to members of the Tamil community in Scarborough–Woburn, and across Canada, as they mark this solemn day of remembrance.”
Hedy Fry, Member of Parliament for Vancouver Centre, wrote:
“It is 17 years today that the armed conflict in Sri Lanka ended. On Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day, we remember the tens of thousands of civilians who lost their lives, or are still missing, and the families that have been forever changed. Canada is home to one of the largest Tamil diasporas in the world. Their contribution continues to strengthen communities across our country. We stand with Tamil Canadians as they honour loved ones, and continue to support international efforts to enable accountability, truth, justice, human rights, and lasting peace.”
Maggie Chi, Member of Parliament for Don Valley North, posted:
“We join Tamil communities in Canada and around the world in commemorating Tamil Genocide Rememberance Day to honour the tens of thousands of lives lost during the Sri Lankan Civil War and stand with the families of the survivors.”
Aslam Rana, MP for Hamilton Centre, stated:
“Today marks 17 years since the end of the armed conflict in Sri Lanka. On Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day, we honour the lives lost, remember the families affected, and stand with Tamil Canadians as they seek truth, justice, and accountability. We reaffirm our commitment to human rights, dignity, and ensuring these tragedies are never forgotten.”
Politicians at provincial and municipal levels also commemorated Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day.
Patrick Brown, Mayor of Brampton, stated:
“We stand with the Tamil community in remembering the victims of the Tamil genocide and defending the truth against those who try to erase history. Brampton is proud to be home to the Tamil Genocide Memorial at Chinguacousy Park, a symbol of remembrance, the need for justice, and the ongoing push for accountability. We will always stand with our Tamil brothers and sisters in the fight for human rights and against genocide denial.”
Vijay Thanigasalam, Member of Provincial Parliament for Scarborough-Rouge Park, posted:
"I was deeply honoured to commemorate Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day at the Tamil Genocide Monument located in Brampton, Canada. May 2009, the state of Sri Lanka engaged in a heightened program of genocide marked by deliberate bombings in government sanctioned “no-fire zones” and denial of food and medicine to Tamil people. I am proud that Canada continues to stand as a global leader in nationally recognizing the Tamil Genocide. Ontario made history as the first international jurisdiction to recognize the Tamil genocide through, Tamil Genocide Education Week, Act 2021. The City of Brampton serves as a land where the Tamil genocide monument stands in honour of the innocent lives lost during the height of the Tamil genocide."
Marit Stiles, leader of the Ontario New Democratic Party, posted a video on Instagram with the following caption:
"Today, we mark the anniversary of the Mullivaikkal Massacre and remember the tens of thousands of Tamil civilians killed by the Sri Lankan military in May 2009. The grief of this loss continues to reverberate through the Tamil community in Ontario and around the world. We remember those who were killed and disappeared, and we stand with the Tamil community in its ongoing fight for truth, justice, and accountability."
Silvia Gualtieri, Member of Provincial Parliament for Mississauga East-Cooksville, wrote:
"Today, on Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day in Ontario, we remember the lives lost and the profound pain carried by families and communities. We stand in solemn reflection with Tamil Ontarians, honouring their memories and recognizing their resilience."
Natalie Hart, Mississauga City Councillor for Ward 5, stated:
“Today, we remember the lives lost and stand in solidarity with the Tamil community on Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day. May we continue to honour their memory, reflect on the past, and work toward a future rooted in justice, peace, and understanding.”
Josh Matlow, Toronto City Councillor for Toronto-St. Paul’s, wrote:
"Today is Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day, commemorating the 26-year armed conflict and the victims and survivors of the Mullivaikkal massacre. Tamil culture is beautiful, with a language that’s one of the oldest in the world. I’m grateful to my many friendships in the community."