MONTREAL–Senators Shirley Maheu–Raymond Setlakwe and Marcel Prud’homme were honored at the Armenian Community Centre of Montreal for their work and perseverance in the adoption of a motion by the Canadian Senate recognizing the Armenian Genocide. The Armenian National Committee of Canada organized this reception in their honor. On June 13 the Canadian Senate nearly unanimously adopted the said resolution in Ottawa.
Armenian Ambassador Ara Babyan–Bishop Khajag Hagopian as well more than 150 members of the Canadian-Armenian community attended the evening in honor of the Senators who worked for over 14 months to pass the Armenian Genocide Resolution in the Canadian Senate.
"We are very grateful for having such dedicated Senators working to ensure the success of this endeavor. Efforts to recognize and condemn the first Genocide of the 20th Century have been gaining momentum within many local–provincial–national and international legislative bodies," said Dr. Girair Basmadjian–Chairman of the Armenian National Committee of Canada.
"I hope that this gesture by the Canadian Senate along with the continued effort of the Armenian National Committee of Canada across the country will create the stimulus needed to adopt such a resolution within the Canadian House of Commons," Senator Raymond Setlakwe told guests at the reception.
"I know that this question burns in every living Armenians heart." Senator Shirley Maheu noted–"We should not think that we have won–we still have to tackle the House of Commons–and if it takes a year–so be it! We are ready!"
Senator Prud’Homme added that "this victory should serve as a catalyst for Canada to officially announce its position on this important issue–hopefully by the coming year."
The Armenian National Committee of Canada has been working with key Senators and the Armenian community throughout the provinces to ensure that Canada gives the Armenian Genocide the official recognition it deserves.