Statement by the Prime Minister on Black Ribbon Day

August 26, 2016

  • Coat of arms of Canada 23 August 2016“. Today, we honour the victims and survivors of Communism and Nazism in Europe, and all those around the world who continue to endure and fight against the oppression of totalitarian regimes. “In the years that followed, millions of people were robbed of their homes and suffered untold atrocities at the hands of the Soviet and Nazi regimes.“Today, we express solidarity with all victims of totalitarian regimes and reiterate Canada’s unwavering commitment to the principles of justice, democracy, and universal human rights. We remember this dark period of history to ensure that the world never again lets such tyranny go unopposed.”…
  • “Many of those who came to Canada to escape these regimes still bear the scars of the unspeakable acts committed against them and their loved ones. These Canadians and their descendants have made remarkable contributions to our country, and continue to strengthen our national fabric. We must never forget their stories.
  • “Black Ribbon Day marks the anniversary of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact. This pact, signed in 1939 between the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany, allowed for the illegal political and territorial rearrangement of Eastern and Central Europe.
  • The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Black Ribbon Day, the National Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Communism and Nazism in Europe

STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER OF CANADA ON THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF RE-ESTABLISHING TIES WITH BALTIC STATES

  •  26 August 2016“. On this day – 25 years ago – Canada re-established diplomatic ties with Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, after the three Baltic states declared independence from the Soviet Union.“Canada never recognized the Soviet Union’s occupation of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, and always supported their struggle to restore independence during decades of Soviet occupation.“On behalf of the Government of Canada, Sophie and I invite all Canadians to reflect on the tremendous contributions of Canadians of Estonian, Latvian, and Lithuanian descent to our national fabric, and offer our best wishes to everyone celebrating today.”
  • Canada looks forward to further strengthening its relations with Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, and working with them on bilateral and regional issues, including support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. This includes Canada’s recent commitment to lead a robust multinational NATO battlegroup in Latvia, as part of NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence in Eastern Europe. We will continue working closely with our NATO Allies ‒ including those in the Baltics ‒ to ensure our citizens can continue to live in safety and security.
  • “Since then, our countries have enjoyed a dynamic and friendly relationship, rooted in the shared values of democracy and freedom, and our partnership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.