Ottawa, ON – The Hon. Pierre Poilievre, Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada and the Official Opposition, released the following statement on Armenian Independence Day:
“For centuries, the Armenian people have worked to uphold and defend their culture. Through the horrors of the Armenian genocide and the cruelty of the Soviet Union, Armenians have faithfully persevered, working to pass on their heritage to the next generation.
“Today, Armenians continue to struggle to maintain life and liberty in their homeland. We acknowledge 32 years since the Armenian people voted to ratify their declaration of independence from the Soviet Union. We honour the brave men and women who, after 70 years of communist oppression, spoke with one resounding voice to demand their freedom back.
“Since then, Armenians have worked hard to restore their economy, reinforce their heritage, and build for a brighter future, demonstrating an incredible spirit of courage and resilience.
“Canada is proud to have stood with Armenia through hard times. Together, with thousands of Armenian-Canadians, we celebrate this anniversary of their nation’s re-emergence on the world stage. We give thanks for the incredible contributions that Armenians have made to our communities and stand with them as they work towards peace and freedom at home.
“On behalf of Canada’s Common-Sense Conservatives, my best wishes to Armenians everywhere celebrating their independence. I look forward to many more years of friendship between our two nations as we forge new partnerships and explore new opportunities together. “Happy Independence Day!”