Statement by Leader of NDP Canada, Tom Mulcair on Black July

Dear Friend,

Today, New Democrats join Tamils from across Canada and around the world as we mark the 30th anniversary of the Black July Pogroms with great sadness.

The repercussions of these brutal actions and heartbreaking loss can still be felt by Tamils living in Sri Lanka as well as the Tamil diaspora.

That is why New Democrats remain concerned about the treatment of minority communities in Sri Lanka and will continue defending the interests of Tamil Canadians in the House of Commons.

We also urge the Canadian government to remember this tragedy by taking firm diplomatic action and boycotting the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting scheduled to take place in Sri Lanka this November.

Watch my question in the House of Commons to the Prime Minister, calling for a full boycott.

Canada must take a principled stance regarding the Sri Lankan government’s continued human rights abuses and refusal to conduct an independent investigation of war crimes allegations.

If you haven’t already, please sign our petition calling for accountability in Sri Lanka.

Lest we forget.

Tom Mulcair
Leader of Canada’s Official Opposition

“A Gun & A Ring” Selected for the 37th Montreal World Film Festival!

“A Gun & A Ring” is an Official Selection of the 37th Montreal World Film Festival (MWFF) taking place from August 22 to September 2, 2013.

MWFF is one of Canada’s oldest international film festivals and the only competitive film festival in North America accredited by the FIAPF (International Federation of Film Producers Associations). After the 2013 Shanghai International Film Festival, MWFF is the second of only fourteen FIAPF-accredited film festivals around the world that has officially selected “A Gun & A Ring” – a tremendous recognition of the passionate G&G team and a wonderful achievement for Canadian filmmaking.

Statement by Liberal Party of Canada Leader Justin Trudeau on Black July

For Immediate Release
July 23, 2013

Statement by Liberal Party of Canada Leader Justin Trudeau on Black July

KELOWNA, BC– The Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, Justin Trudeau, made the following statement today on the anniversary of Black July:

“Today, we solemnly remember the terrible events and attacks thirty years ago that were directed at Tamils beginning on July 23, 1983. Divisions gave way to racially-targeted riots that saw countless people attacked, killed, and rendered homeless, and resulted in the widespread destruction of property.

Across our country, Tamil Canadians mourn and remember the many murders of Black July, but also the thousands of deaths that ensued in the decades-long Sri Lankan civil war, of which we still lack closure to this day.

We must achieve accountability and justice for the untold innocents who died or had their lives irrevocably changed.

To date, no serious effort has been made by the Sri Lankan government to reconcile with all actors in Sri Lankan society. There is little clarity or resolution after the end of the civil war. Ethnic and religious discrimination is growing, not decreasing.

After the events of 1983, Canada welcomed those Tamils seeking asylum, and we continue to accept refugees and immigrants from Sri Lanka. Today, Canada’s voice must be clearly heard insisting for truth, reconciliation, and an independent and transparent international investigation of alleged war crimes during the Sri Lankan civil war.”

Statement by Ontario PC Leader Tim Hudak commemorating Black July

The following is a statement by Ontario PC Leader Tim Hudak commemorating the anti-Tamil pogrom known as Black July:

“Thirty years ago, armed mobs committed horrific acts of violence, targeting countless Tamil families, killing innocent civilians, and destroying private property and businesses.

“What followed was a decades-long civil war, and thousands upon thousands of people fleeing the island, seeking safety and refuge in countries around the world.

“Many people chose Ontario as their new home – a place where they could hope for a chance at prosperity and a better future for their children.

“I’m proud our province now has a strong Tamil-Canadian community – the largest Tamil community outside of Sri Lanka with over 200,000 people.

“This month, as we remember the innocent civilians who lost their lives, we must also renew our call for accountability and justice in Sri Lanka, not only for those who were murdered, but also for the families who are today still grappling with the aftermath of the civil war and ongoing discrimination.

“The Ontario PCs stand with our Tamil Canadian community in commemorating Black July.”

Statement by Brampton Mayor Susan Fennell, on Black July

Statement on Black July

“On behalf of the people of Brampton, I join with our City’s Tamil community to mourn the violence committed against Sri Lankan Tamil families during the atrocities of Black July in 1983. This year marks the 30th anniversary of when innocent lives were lost, businesses were shut down and property was destroyed.

“Since then, thousands of Sri Lankan Tamils have settled in communities across Canada, including Brampton, to embrace our unwavering values of peace, order and good government, among so many other enshrined Canadian rights.

“Today Brampton has an active, engaged, and vibrant Tamil community. And it is here in our City that people of all backgrounds are free to raise a family, earn a good education, secure a job, start a business and worship freely.”