Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized the importance of confronting ignorance and hatred during his speech at a Holocaust Remembrance Day event in Ottawa. Carney pointed out that Canada’s silence during the Second World War contributed to the tragic murder of millions of Jewish individuals and stressed the need to remember history to prevent its repetition.
He underscored the significance of events like the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau in exposing the atrocities of the Holocaust and the importance of acknowledging complicity as a form of betrayal. Carney urged Canadians to actively remember and learn from the lessons of the Holocaust to support survivors and their families.
Holocaust Remembrance Day, established by the United Nations in 2005, serves as a solemn reminder of the millions of lives lost under the Nazi regime. Carney also highlighted Canada’s historical shortcomings in accepting Jewish refugees during the war, emphasizing the need to combat rising incidents of anti-Jewish hate and violence.
Recent calls for a commission on antisemitism and legislative actions targeting hate symbols and protecting places of worship were mentioned, with Carney and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre collaborating on bill C-9 to address these issues. Poilievre echoed concerns about the increasing prevalence of antisemitism, particularly in educational institutions, and stressed the importance of ensuring the safety and acceptance of Jewish individuals in Canada.
Both leaders emphasized the collective responsibility to combat antisemitism and create a society where every Jew feels secure and valued, underscoring the pledge of “never again” in remembrance of the Holocaust.