From Grief to Unity: Genocide Commemoration Unites Leaders Across Parties in Ontario

Toronto, ON – On Wednesday, April 16, 2025, a solemn and dignified Armenian Genocide Commemoration Reception was held at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario at Queen’s Park in Toronto. Organized by the Armenian National Committee of Toronto (ANCT), the event brought together government officials, community leaders, and clergy to honour the memory of the 1.5 million victims of the Armenian Genocide and to reaffirm the community’s commitment to education, remembrance, and justice.

The reception opened with welcoming remarks by Elizabeth Kandaharian, a graduate of the ARS Armenian Private School, who served as Master of Ceremonies and represented the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) Toronto Chapter. Speaking on behalf of the Armenian National Committee of Toronto, Ms. Kandaharian emphasized the importance of preserving the memory of the genocide and fostering awareness, especially among younger generations.

“Distinguished guests, your presence today carries great meaning—but remembrance must not end when this ceremony does. We need your voices not just in moments of silence, but in the halls where power is exercised and decisions are made. We urge you—our elected officials—to use your influence boldly and consistently to confront genocide, reject denial, and challenge historical distortion wherever it appears. The solidarity you show today must become a year-round commitment—a moral responsibility that echoes far beyond this gathering.”

A moving prayer was offered by Rev. Fr. Karekin Shekherdemian of St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church, representing a coalition of Armenian churches in Ontario, including Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, St. Gregory Armenian Catholic Church, and the Armenian Evangelical Church of Toronto. His prayer honoured the memory of the victims and called for peace, justice, and the preservation of Armenian identity and heritage.

The Honourable David Warner, former Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, delivered special remarks. Reflecting on his long-standing relationship with the Armenian community, Mr. Warner emphasized the moral imperative of remembrance and praised the ongoing efforts of Armenian-Canadians in educating broader Canadian society about the atrocities of 1915. He also addressed the current challenges faced by Armenians, including the continued struggle for the right of return to Artsakh, their indigenous homeland.

Political leaders from all parties were present, demonstrating strong bipartisan support and solidarity.

Progressive Conservative Party

Remarks were delivered by Aris Babikian, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism and MPP (Scarborough–Agincourt). A prominent Armenian-Canadian leader, Mr. Babikian invited several of his colleagues to join him in recognizing the contributions of Ontario’s Armenian community and honouring the memory of the genocide victims.
“As the third generation of survivors of two genocides—Armenian and Greek—I am forever indebted to Ontario and Canada for recognizing the historical truth of the Armenian Genocide and for providing me the opportunity to fulfill my potential and serve the people of this province.”

Progressive Conservative MPPs in attendance included:

Hon. Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines, MPP for King—Vaughan
Hon. Graham McGregor, Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism, MPP for Brampton North
Hon. Michael Parsa, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services, MPP for Aurora—Oak Ridges—Richmond Hill
Hon. Sam Oosterhoff, Associate Minister of Energy-Intensive Industries, MPP for Niagara West
Hon. Todd J. McCarthy, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, MPP for Durham
Effie J. Triantafilopoulos, MPP for Oakville North—Burlington
Logan Kanapathi, MPP for Markham—Thornhill
Sheref Sabawy, MPP for Mississauga—Erin Mills
Dawn Gallagher Murphy, MPP for Newmarket—Aurora
Andrew Dowie, MPP for Windsor—Tecumseh
Billy Pang, MPP for Markham–Unionville
Laura Smith, MPP for Thornhill

New Democratic Party

Tom Rakocevic MPP for Humber River—Black Creek delivered heartfelt remarks, joined by MPPs Alexa Gilmour (Parkdale—High Park), France Gélinas (Nickel Belt), and Chris Glover (Spadina—Fort York). He reaffirmed the NDP’s steadfast commitment to human rights, justice for genocide victims, and solidarity with Armenian communities. MPP Rakocevic also recalled the historic “Take Note” session on October 21, 2020 at the Legislature of Ontario, during which 11 MPPs united in a powerful stand against Azerbaijan’s aggression toward the peaceful citizens of Artsakh.

Ontario Liberal Party

Remarks were delivered by Jonathan Tsao, MPP for Don Valley North and Dr. Adil Shamji, MPP for Don Valley East. MPP Tsao announced his intention to introduce his first petition to the Legislative Assembly, advocating for the continued recognition of May as Armenian Heritage Month and April 24 as Armenian Genocide Memorial Day. The petition highlights both the vital contributions of the Armenian community to Ontario and the enduring need to honor the memory of the 1.5 million victims.

They were joined by caucus colleagues:

Stephanie Bowman, MPP for Don Valley West
Andrea Hazell, MPP for Scarborough—Guildwood
Stephanie Smyth, MPP for Toronto—St. Paul’s
Rob Cerjanec, MPP for Ajax

Green Party of Ontario

Aislinn Clancy, MPP for Kitchener Centre offered her reflections and stood in solidarity with the Armenian community in their ongoing pursuit of recognition and justice.
Among the distinguished guests in attendance were Godwin Chan, Deputy Mayor and Regional & Local Councillor for the City of Richmond Hill; Karnig Hasserjian, Chair of the Armenian Community Centre of Toronto; Rev. Archpriest Fr. Zareh Zargarian and Rev. Fr. Hayari Tanashian of Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church; and Pastor Zohrab Sarkissian of the Armenian Evangelical Church of Toronto.

Representatives from numerous Armenian community organizations and grassroots activists were also present, reflecting the unity and resilience of the Armenian-Canadian community and its unwavering commitment to remembrance and advocacy.

The Armenian National Committee of Toronto extends its heartfelt gratitude to all speakers, dignitaries, and attendees who joined in solemn reflection and solidarity. In particular, the ANCT thanks MPP Aris Babikian for his sponsorship and invaluable guidance in making this commemoration possible. Together, we affirm that the legacy of the Armenian Genocide must never be forgotten, and that collective remembrance remains a powerful tool against denial and injustice.