The Province paid tribute today to the more than six million victims of the Holocaust in a ceremony at B.C.'s Parliament Buildings to mark Yom Ha’Shoah or Holocaust Memorial Day.

Minister Responsible for Multiculturalism Teresa Wat and MLA Dr. Moira Stilwell were joined by representatives from The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, the Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre and the Victoria Holocaust Remembrance and Education Society, as well as Holocaust survivor Peter Suedfeld.

As part of the ceremony, six candles were lit to remember the six million Jewish men, women and children killed by the Nazis between 1933 and 1945. Holocaust Memorial Day also is a day to remember the over five million people who died during the same time period because of their physical or mental disabilities, race, religion or sexual orientation.

The Holocaust Memorial Day Act was passed in 2000 and British Columbia was the second province to officially recognize this day in Canada. Yom Ha’Shoah is observed around the globe and the day is determined each year by the Jewish calendar.

Quotes:

Teresa Wat, Minister of International Trade and Minister Responsible for Multiculturalism -

“Today we remember the lives lost and the families torn apart in one of the darkest periods in human history. British Columbia is an inclusive society and we will continue to be vigilant to ensure racism, bigotry and discrimination have no place here.”

The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs - Pacific Region, director Darren Mackoff -

“In a world that is sadly still plagued by hatred and intolerance, it is more important than ever that we take the lessons of the Holocaust to heart. Survivors of the Holocaust endured the unimaginable depths of evil yet found the courage to rebuild their lives and community—many right here in British Columbia. Their extraordinary bravery and dedication continue to inspire us to infuse the call of ‘never again’ with action, purpose and meaning.”

Quick Facts:

• Since 2002, over $9.1 million has been spent to fund projects and programs promoting multiculturalism, addressing racism and building inclusive communities in British Columbia.
• The most ethnically diverse province in Canada, B.C. welcomes nearly 40,000 new immigrants every year.
• In 2010, the Provincial Multiculturalism Vision was adopted. British Columbia is a model society that embraces the cultures and traditions of its people with opportunities for all to live and grow.
• Every year, the third week of November in British Columbia is proclaimed as Multiculturalism Week.

Learn More:

Unlearn Racism Educational resource: www.UnlearnRacism.ca

Know Hate video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wl8ZEpxDgvk

End Hate Crime booklet: http://bit.ly/1rF8qK5

EmbraceBC - Province of B.C. multiculturalism site: www.embracebc.ca

B.C. Multicultural Advisory Council: http://tinyurl.com/n4nvauv

Media Contacts:

Media Relations
Ministry of International Trade and Responsible for the Asia Pacific Strategy and Multiculturalism
778 977-0298