November 25, 2008 OTTAWA – Yesterday in the House of Commons, James Bezan, Member of Parliament (Selkirk-Interlake) made a statement to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the famine-genocide of the Ukrainian people. “This year marks the 75th Anniversary of one of the most heinous crimes in modern history – the state sponsored famine-genocide of 1932-1933 perpetrated by the Soviet communist regime of Joseph Stalin against the Ukrainian people. “This deliberate famine was devised to destroy Ukrainian nationalists’ aspirations for a free and independent Ukraine. It was a terrible genocide that killed millions of Ukrainians and for decades the truth about this horrific crime was suppressed by Soviet authorities and her western allies. “November 22nd marked the first national Holodomor Memorial Day in Canada. I am humbled that Bill C-459 (moved by Bezan and received Royal Assent May 29, 2008) received unanimous support during the last Parliament and established this annual day of remembrance in Canada of the Holodomor. But more importantly, the Act (Ukrainian Famine and Genocide ‘Holodomor’ Memorial Day Act) recognizes the Great Famine of 1932-33 for what it really was – genocide. Numerous ceremonies took place across Canada in honour of Holodomor survivors, and of course to remember the millions of victims,” stated Bezan. In marking this important anniversary, Bezan attended some of the numerous events organized across Canada to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Holodomor. Bezan spoke at the Holodomor Memorial services at Winnipeg City Hall and at the Manitoba Legislature. He also spoke at the opening ceremony of Holodomor Education Week in Toronto. “I would like to thank all the organizers and participants of these commemorating events for their efforts in raising awareness about this tragic piece of history,” Bezan commented. “It is our responsibility to correct the historic record and ensure that events like this are never repeated. I am pleased that so many organizations and advocates across Canada are doing the hard work to educate, and undertaking the act of remembrance for the millions and millions of victims,” he added. “Let their memories be eternal. Vichna yim pamyat,” concluded Bezan. -30- To view a video of James Bezan’s statement please visit: www.jamesbezan.com/assets/20081124-so31-bezan.wmv For more information please contact: Dana Seymour Office of James Bezan, MP Phone: 613-992-2032 media@jamesbezan.com