Statement On Annual Tamil Memorial Week

16 May 2013

The following is a statement by Ontario PC Leader Tim Hudak on Annual Tamil Memorial Week:

“As Leader of the Ontario PC Caucus, I would like to join the province’s Tamil-Canadian community in observing the fourth anniversary of the end of the decades-long civil war in Sri Lanka.

“Annual Tamil Memorial Week ensures we never forget the innocent civilians who were killed during the war, including the tens of thousands of people who died during the last weeks leading up to May 18, 2009. It also gives us the opportunity to once again demand accountability for those who died, the families still living in the country, and their loved ones abroad.

“Ontario is home to the largest diaspora community of Sri Lankan Tamils in the world, many of whom chose to build new lives here in order to escape the imminent danger of the war. In doing so, the community has enriched our province’s cultural and economic landscape, while continuing to advocate for justice.

“These efforts have led to a greater awareness around the world of the struggles still facing civilians in Sri Lanka, and the need for continued vigilance in order to stop human rights abuses.

“I’m proud that my federal conservative counterparts – Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird in particular – have taken a strong stance on this issue. We also have two Ontario PC candidates from our Tamil Canadian community, Ken Kirupa for Scarborough-Guildwood and Shan Thayaparan for Markham-Unionville, who are not only successful businessmen and leaders, but also strong advocates for accountability and justice.

“Once again I would like to extend my support to the Canadian Tamil community as you observe this solemn occasion, and thank the National Council of Canadian Tamils for their work with this year’s annual memorial week.”

Tamil Memorial Week 2013 - Ontario PC Leader