Statement from NDP Leader Andrea Horwath on supporting the passage of Bill 104, Tamil Genocide Week Act

QUEEN’S PARK - Andrea Horwath, Leader of the Official Opposition released the following statement calling for the government to bring Bill 104, Tamil Genocide Week Act, to third reading:

This year, as in previous years, New Democrats joined Tamil Canadians in honouring the thousands of innocent civilians who were killed during the Tamil Genocide in Sri Lanka, marking 11 years since the Millivaikal Massacre. New Democrats have always stood with the Tamil community in your demand for political action and justice in the wake of the Tamil genocide. That is why New Democrats were proud to support Bill 104 and continue to do so.

New Democrats agree - Ontarians should be educated about the rich Tamil history and we should maintain the awareness of the Tamil genocide to honour all those killed and affected. The ongoing contributions of Tamil Ontarians to the social, economic, political and cultural fabric of the province should also be recognized.

New Democrats encourage the Conservative government to bring Bill 104 forward for 3rd reading without delay. This is well within their power to do. As the governing party, the Conservatives are in a unique position to set the agenda and bring their MPPs’ bills up for debate as soon as possible.

New Democrats will continue to stand with the Tamil community in the call for recognition of the Tamil Genocide and your fight for justice and healing. The Ontario NDP fully support the passage of Bill 104, and we urge the Conservative government to bring Bill 104 to third reading without delay.