Statement by Liberal Party of Canada Leader Justin Trudeau on National Holodomor Awareness Week

November 17, 2014

“It was over 80 years ago through Holodomor that millions of Ukrainians were systematically and deliberately starved in an attempt to break a nation and destroy a people. During National Holodomor Awareness Week, Canadians reflect on this truly dark period in history.

“Canada is among a growing list of countries around the world that have recognized this atrocity as an act of genocide, and we continue to stand with the victims and their descendants in remembering these unconscionable acts of violence.

“In spite of this deplorable crime, the resilience and spirit of the Ukrainian people endures. We remain concerned, however, with the increasing violence and NATO reports of Russian troops and military equipment in eastern Ukraine. This is a clear violation of Ukrainian sovereignty and directly contributes to escalating violence.

“We support a peaceful and stable transition to democracy in Ukraine, without external interference. Canada must continue to work with its allies to ensure that Russia’s commitments are translated into concrete actions.

“On behalf of the Liberal Party of Canada and our Parliamentary Caucus, I offer my thoughts and sympathies to all Ukrainians and Ukrainian-Canadians during this solemn time.”