On Tuesday, April 28, 2026, a solemn commemoration marking the 111th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide was held at the Parliament of Canada, organized by the Armenian National Committee of Canada (ANCC).
The event brought together representatives from political, diplomatic, religious, and community circles. In attendance were Armenia’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Canada, H.E. Anahit Harutyunyan; Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Anita Anand; Minister of Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages, the Hon. Marc Miller; Members of Parliament and Senators from various political parties; and His Eminence Archbishop Papken Tcharian, Prelate of the Armenian Prelacy of Canada. Representatives of the diplomatic corps, senior government officials, partner organizations, and Armenian-Canadian organizations were also present.
The ceremony began with the national anthems of Canada, Armenia, and Artsakh, followed by opening remarks by master of ceremonies Arevig Afarian, who emphasized the importance of remembrance and collective responsibility.
In her remarks, Ambassador Harutyunyan underscored the imperative of preserving the collective memory of the Armenian Genocide and the global responsibility to prevent such crimes from recurring. On behalf of the Government of Canada, Ministers Anita Anand and Marc Miller delivered remarks reaffirming Canada’s commitment to remembrance, the protection of human rights, and the prevention of genocides. Minister Anand made particular reference to the forced displacement of the people of Artsakh, stressing that Armenians continue to face persecution to this day. At the conclusion of their remarks, the ministers presented Ambassador Harutyunyan with an Armenian-language copy of Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Members of Parliament representing various political parties also delivered official messages. On behalf of the Conservative Party of Canada, MP Connie Cody spoke, while MP Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe addressed the gathering on behalf of the Bloc Québécois. Their remarks reaffirmed the importance of preserving memory, condemning genocide, and combating denial.
Shahen Mirakian, President of the Armenian National Committee of Canada, noted in his remarks that the legacy of the Armenian Genocide continues to resonate to this day. He pointed in particular to the recent crimes committed in Artsakh as evidence that the consequences of genocide remain ongoing. Mirakian emphasized the resilience and determination of the Armenian people, stressing that despite all injustices, Armenians are not victims, but continue to survive, resist, and defend their identity and rights. He concluded by reaffirming that the Armenian-Canadian community, steadfast in its resolve, will continue to spare no effort in advancing the rights of the Armenian people.
The event concluded with a pastoral message and prayer delivered by His Eminence Archbishop Papken Tcharian.