UCC supports efforts to establish museum of crimes against humanity (08/08/99)

UCC supports efforts to establish museum of crimes against humanity

Ukrainian Canadian Congress

OTTAWA - The subcommittee of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress that deals with the recognition of the Great Famine of 1932-1933, supports ongoing efforts for the creation of a Canadian Museum devoted to the commemoration of crimes against humanity in which the Ukrainian genocide will be honored.

Sarkis Assadourian, member of Parliament from Brampton, whose Bill C-479 was supported by the UCC nationwide, has launched a postcard writing campaign aimed at getting the government to establish a Museum of Reconciliation.

The all-inclusive museum, based on Bill C-479, is to be devoted to crimes committed against humanity in the 20th century and to reflect Canada's multicultural make-up. "It is designed to build unity between all communities in Canada. We need Canadians to continue telling the government that an all-inclusive museum is our wish by signing and mailing the postcards," said Mr. Assadourian.

"We see an announcement of the museum in the Speech from the Throne and a subsequent allocation of funds as a way of fast-tracking the initiative," said Oksana Bashuk Hepburn, member of the UCC subcommittee.

The UCC has worked to ensure that the Great Famine be treated with the dignity and respect that it deserves. "Senior Ottawa advisers have told us that the government is seeking to make a response to the efforts we have put into seeking inclusion. By announcing the establishment of the Museum of Reconciliation in the Throne Speech, the government would be indicating its seriousness," Ms. Hepburn said.

The Speech from the Throne, to be read sometime in September, is the government's action plan. "We will support this initiative," said Marika Szkambara, president of UCC Toronto. "The government received over 50,000 postcards asking for the establishment of an inclusive museum. This new post card asks that the museum be placed on its agenda. We would like to see that happen soon."

The postcards are available throughout Canada. Constituents are being urged by the UCC to call their MPs to register support for the Museum of Reconciliation.

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