Armenian Genocide commemoration at Queen’s Park unites Ontario leaders across the political spectrum

TORONTOHYE—On April 16, a reception brought together political leaders, clergy, and members of the Armenian-Canadian community at Queen’s Park, in commemoration of the 110th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.

Organized by the Armenian National Committee of Toronto (ANCT) and sponsored by Aris Babikian, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism and MPP (Scarborough–Agincourt), the event honoured the 1.5 million victims of the Armenian Genocide while affirming a collective commitment to remembrance, education, and justice.

The evening opened with welcoming remarks by Elizabeth Kandaharian, a graduate of ARS Armenian Private School and a member of the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF Canada) Simon Zavarian chapter, who served as Master of Ceremonies.

Speaking on behalf of the ANCT, Kandaharian addressed the gathered officials and guests with a clear and powerful message: “Distinguished guests, your presence today carries great meaning—but remembrance must not end when this ceremony does… We need your voices not just in moments of silence, but in the halls where power is exercised and decisions are made.”

In her remarks, she urged the elected officials to use their influence boldly and consistently to confront genocide, reject denial, and challenge historical distortion. “The solidarity you show today must become a year-round commitment—a moral responsibility that echoes far beyond this gathering,” she added.

Rev. Fr. Hayr Karekin Shekherdemian of the St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church offered a prayer on behalf of Ontario’s Armenian clergy representing the Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, St. Gregory Armenian Catholic Church of Toronto, and the Armenian Evangelical Church of Toronto. His prayer honoured the memory of the victims and called for peace, justice, and the ongoing preservation of Armenian identity.

The Honourable David Warner, former Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, delivered heartfelt remarks. Reflecting on his long-standing relationship with the Armenian community, Warner emphasized the moral imperative of remembering the genocide and praised the educational and advocacy efforts of Armenian-Canadians. He also addressed present-day concerns, acknowledging the struggle for the right of return to Artsakh, which he described as the Armenians’ indigenous homeland.

The presence of political leaders from all major parties signalled a strong show of bipartisan solidarity. Among them was MPP Aris Babikian (Scarborough–Agincourt), Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism and a key organizer of the event. As the only Armenian member of the Ontario Legislature, Babikian reflected on his personal ties to genocide history.

“As the third generation of survivors of two genocides—Armenian and Greek—I am forever indebted to Ontario and Canada for recognizing the historical truth of the Armenian Genocide and for providing me the opportunity to fulfill my potential and serve the people of this province,” he noted. Babikian invited several of his Progressive Conservative colleagues to join him in honouring the Armenian community and reaffirming the province’s commitment to remembrance.

Progressive Conservatives from across the GTA and Ontario attended in support, including Hon. Graham McGregor Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism (Brampton North); Hon. Michael Parsa, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services (Aurora—Oak Ridges—Richmond Hill); Hon. Sam Oosterhoff, Associate Minister of Energy-Intensive Industries (Niagara West); and Hon. Todd McCarthy, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (Durham). They were joined by provincial parliamentarians Effie Triantafilopoulos (Oakville North—Burlington); Logan Kanapathi (Markham—Thornhill); Sheref Sabawy (Mississauga—Erin Mills); Dawn Gallagher Murphy (Newmarket—Aurora); Andrew Dowie (Windsor—Tecumseh); Billy Pang (Markham–Unionville); and Laura Smith (Thornhill).

The New Democratic Party was represented at the April 16 commemoration by MPP Tom Rakocevic (Humber River—Black Creek), who delivered a message of solidarity on behalf of the NDP. Joined by colleagues Alexa Gilmour (Parkdale—High Park), France Gélinas (Nickel Belt), and Chris Glover (Spadina—Fort York), Rakocevic reaffirmed the party’s support for justice and human rights. He also recalled the historic October 21, 2020, ‘Take Note’ session at the Ontario Legislature, when 11 MPPs united in a powerful statement against Azerbaijan’s aggression toward the people of Artsakh.

Remarks by the Ontario Liberal Party were delivered by MPPs Jonathan Tsao (Don Valley North) and Dr. Adil Shamji (Don Valley East). In his remarks, Tsao announced that he would introduce his first petition to the Legislative Assembly, calling for the continued recognition of May as Armenian Heritage Month and April 24 as Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day. The petition, which he introduced later that day, acknowledges both the significant contributions of Armenian-Canadians to the province and the enduring need to remember the victims of the genocide.

They were joined by Liberal colleagues from across the Toronto area, including Stephanie Bowman (Don Valley West), Andrea Hazell (Scarborough—Guildwood), Stephanie Smyth (Toronto—St. Paul’s), and Rob Cerjanec (Ajax).

Green Party MPP Aislinn Clancy (Kitchener Centre) also offered reflections and expressed her solidarity with the Armenian community in its pursuit of justice and recognition.

Among the distinguished guests were Deputy Mayor and Richmond Hill Councillor Godwin Chan; Karnig Hasserjian, Chair of the Armenian Community Centre of Toronto; Rev. Archpriest Fr. Zareh Zargarian and Rev. Fr. Hayari Tanashian of Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church; and Pastor Zohrab Sarkissian of the Armenian Evangelical Church of Toronto. Representatives from Armenian community organizations and grassroots initiatives were also in attendance, demonstrating the community’s unity and resilience.

In a press statement issued on April 21, the ANCT extended its gratitude to all speakers, guests, and attendees, with special thanks to MPP Aris Babikian for his sponsorship and support.

Babikian mentioned the commemoration in his remarks in the Ontario Legislature the following day. "A large number of the Legislative Assembly members from all parties joined religious and lay leaders of the GTA Armenian community in remembrance of the victims, and paid tribute to the resilience of Ontario’s Armenian community and its contribution to make Ontario a better place for all," he said in his remarks in the Legislative Assembly on April 17.

In his speech to the Provincial Parliament, Babikian also mentioned the principles and ethics of his maternal grandfather, Ardashes Amroyan, and grandmother, Sirarpy Amroyan, as well as his paternal grandfather, Garabed Babikian, and grandmother, Kohar Babikian, all of whom were genocide survivors who became his "guiding light."

In its press statement, the ANCT said that the legacy of the Armenian Genocide must never be forgotten, and that "collective remembrance remains a powerful tool against denial and injustice." ֎