Statement by MPP Aris Babikian on the occassion of the 110th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario

On April 17, on the occassion of the 110th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, member of the Ontario Provincial Parliament for Scarborough—Agincourt Aris Babikian made the following statement in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

44th Parliament 1st Session

April 17, 2024

Members’ Statements

Armenian Genocide

Mr. Aris Babikian: The Armenian National Committee of Toronto held yesterday a sombre commemoration of the 110th anniversary of the Armenian genocide at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. A large number of the Legislative Assembly members from all parties joined religious and lay leaders of the GTA Armenian community in remembrance of the victims, and paid tribute to the resilience of Ontario’s Armenian community and its contribution to make Ontario a better place for all.

As the third generation of survivors of two genocides, Armenian and Greek, I am forever in debt to Ontario and Canada for recognizing the historical truth of the Armenian genocide and providing me the opportunity to fulfill my potential and excel in what I do best: working and serving the residents of Ontario.

The principles and the ethics of my maternal grandfather, Ardashes Amroyan, and grandmother, Sirarpy Amroyan; and my paternal grandfather, Garabed Babikian, and grandmother, Kohar Babikian, who sacrificed and suffered so much during the genocides, were my guiding light. I’m also grateful to my father, Antranik Babikian; my mother, Valantine Babikian; and the entire family for their unwavering support and for making me what I am today. Thank you very much.

https://www.facebook.com/61550118694870/videos/554820040974202