At noon on November 22, in the Legislature Rotunda, Speaker Wanner will host a commemoration ceremony to mark Ukrainian Famine and Genocide (Holodomor) Memorial Day in Alberta.
“The Ukrainian famine and genocide (Holodomor) is remembered as one of history’s greatest crimes against humanity,” said Honourable Robert E. Wanner, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta. “At this time of commemoration, we join with the people of Ukraine, Ukrainians around the world, and especially those in Alberta, in remembering the countless lives lost during this tragedy.”
Remarks will be provided by:
- Honourable Robert E. Wanner, MLA, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly
- Mrs. Jessica Littlewood, MLA, on behalf of the Premier of Alberta
- Mr. Brian Jean, MLA, Leader of the Official Opposition
- Mr. Ric McIver, MLA, Leader of the PC opposition
- Ms. Olesia Luciw-Andryjowycz, President of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress – Alberta Provincial Council
The ceremony will also include choir performances by students from St. Martin Catholic School and St. Matthew Catholic School, followed by a candle lighting and prayer.
The Holodomor was a government-imposed famine in the Ukrainian SSR during 1932 and 1933. It is estimated that between 4 and 10 million individuals died of starvation during this time. Over 300,000 people of Ukrainian ancestry, some of whom are survivors of the Holodomor or are descendants of those who suffered, call Alberta home.
In 2008 the Legislative Assembly of Alberta passed Bill 37, Ukrainian Famine and Genocide (Holodomor) Memorial Day Act. The Act proclaims the 4th Saturday in November in each year as a day of Holodomor remembrance in Alberta.