Minister Kenney issues statement on Raoul Wallenberg Day January 17, 2012

Statement – Minister Kenney issues statement on Raoul Wallenberg Day

Ottawa, January 17, 2012 – The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, issued the following statement commemorating Raoul Wallenberg Day:

Raoul Wallenberg, one of the greatest heroes of one of the darkest periods of human history, disappeared in Soviet custody 67 years ago today.

Each year on this date, Canadians pay tribute to Wallenberg. In doing so, we remember the unique horror of the Holocaust and rededicate ourselves to combating anti-Semitism, racism and all other forms of discrimination.

Raoul Wallenberg was a prominent Swedish businessman sent as a diplomat to Budapest, Hungary during the Second World War. At great personal risk, and with remarkable ingenuity and courage, he helped rescue tens of thousands of Hungarian Jews from certain death at the hands of the Nazis and their like-minded allies.

In 1985, Wallenberg became the first-ever honorary citizen of Canada. Municipalities across the country have erected monuments and named public spaces in tribute to this extraordinary hero. Ten years ago, Parliament declared January 17 as Raoul Wallenberg Day.

The Government of Canada is committed to carrying on the legacy of Raoul Wallenberg and to being a leader in the international fight against anti-Semitism through actions such as the development of the Ottawa Protocol and the promotion of Holocaust education. Next year, Canada will serve as Chair of the Task Force for International Cooperation on Holocaust Education, Remembrance and Research.

As Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, I encourage Canadians to reflect today on the capacity of every individual to act resolutely in the face of injustice and intolerance, and on the obligation of all of us to fight hatred, bigotry and discrimination in all its forms, including anti-Semitism.

For further information (media only), please contact:

Candice Malcolm
Minister's Office
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-954-1064

Media Relations
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-1650
CIC-Media-Relations @ cic.gc.ca

Building a stronger Canada: Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) strengthens Canada's economic, social and cultural prosperity, helping ensure Canadian safety and security while managing one of the largest and most generous immigration programs in the world.