BC Legislature Hosts Armenian Genocide Commemoration

Horizon Weekly Newspaper

On April 17, 2025, with a special invitation from British Columbia’s Premier Hon. David Eby and Minister Adrian Dix, and in partnership with the Armenian National Committee of Canada – Western Region, (ANCC) a powerful Armenian Genocide commemoration event was held at the BC Legislature.

The day began during the opening of Question Period, where Minister Dix officially welcomed representatives from the ANCC, the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF), and members of BC’s Armenian community. Together, they honored the memory of over 1.5 million Armenians killed during the 1915 Genocide perpetrated by the Ottoman Empire.

Horizon Weekly Newspaper

Following the session, a flag-raising ceremony was held outside the Legislature. The Republic of Armenia flag was hoisted, as AYF members stood holding Artsakh flags and images of political prisoners in Baku in protest of the ongoing ethnic cleansing being carried out by Azerbaijan against the indigenous Armenian population of Artsakh.

Inside the Legislature’s “Hall of Honour”, the official ceremony continued with speeches by Premier Eby, who called for global condemnation of all genocides—past and present. He was joined by Green Party MLA Jeremy Valeriote and Conservative representative Steve Kooner, both echoing solidarity and a commitment to justice.

On behalf of the ANCC, AYF, and BC’s Armenian youth, AYF representative Vannessa Agopian expressed gratitude to the BC government and its leaders for their ongoing recognition of the Armenian Genocide and their support in seeking justice.

SFU Professor Dr. Kate Tairyan delivered a compelling address, drawing attention to the continued atrocities against Armenians today—cultural erasure, massacres, and displacement in both Artsakh and Armenia by the successors of those who carried out the 1915 Genocide.

The program featured poignant performances, including a rendition of Charles Aznavour’s “Ils sont tombés” by Very Rev. Fr. Vartan Tashdjian, accompanied by pianist AYF Vancouver member Lori Kullahian, and a performance of Gomidas Vartabed’s work by Manush Haroutunyan from the Armenian Opera.

Over 20 BC Ministers and MLA’s were accompanying Primmer of British Colombia. The event concluded with a luncheon reception hosted by Minister Adrian Dix and the Government of British Columbia, offering space for reflection, unity, and continued advocacy for justice and recognition.