French Parliament Passes Bill Criminalizing Denial of the Armenian Genocide

Toronto, Canada - The Armenian National Committee of Toronto (ANCT) welcomed the passage of a bill criminalizing the denial of the Armenian Genocide, and rendering it punishable with a year in jail and a fine of 45,000 euros ($58,000). The bill was voted on the morning of December 12, 2012 in the lower house of French parliament and is now scheduled to come before the Senate early in the new year, where if passed, will become part of French law.

France formally recognized the Armenian Genocide in 2001, though at the time, there were no laws criminalizing its denial. France, as well as many other European countries, already has laws banning the denial of the Jewish Holocaust.

In the days leading up to the vote, the Turkish government threatened its relationship with the French government, in an attempt to sway the vote. Many French Members of Parliament spoke against these bullying tactics, including the bill's author, Valerie Boyer, who has maintained that the bill is not aimed at any particular country, but instead is based on European laws that reprimand genocide denial in all forms.

"The statement issued by some of Turkey's main political parties claims the bill 'denigrates Turkish history'; this is yet another example of the Turkish government trying to force its own views not only on the French government, but also the Canadian government, the U.S government and other governments around the world," said ANCT Chairman Jack Tchakmakian. "We applaud the French government for refusing to heed to Ankara's attempts at bullying and blackmail."

Soon after word of the bill being passed, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan followed through on many of the threats made, halting bilateral political and economic contacts, suspending military cooperation and recalling Ambassador Tahsin Burcuoglu.

Turkey has also argued that the bill passed in France encroaches on freedom of expression however, the Turkish government has long been reproached for its own questionable freedom of speech record, including Article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code, which makes it a crime to "denigrate the Turkish Nation" and its government. Many well-known Turkish authors, such as Orhan Pamuk, the late Hrant Dink and most recently, Ragip Zarakolu, have all been charged under Article 301 for publicly speaking about the Armenian Genocide.

About ANCT

The Armenian National Committee of Toronto is a chapter of the Armenian National Committee of Canada, grassroots organization that was founded in 1965 to address the concerns of the Canadian Armenian community of a broad range of issues.

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Make your vote count - October 25th

In This Issue Support our candidates ANCT endorses mayoral candidate George Smitherman ANCT hosts reception for Markham candidates Ontario marks 19th anniversary of Armenia Canadian MPs visit Armenia Support ANCT! New videos on YouTube Follow us on October 2010 Support Our Candidates in the October 25th Municipal Elections The Armenian National Committee of Toronto (ANCT) has been preparing for the upcoming municipal elections in Toronto and Markham, set to take place on October 25th, 2010. Members of the ANCT as well as a number of volunteers from the community have been actively campaigning for the candidates being endorsed by the ANCT. The ANCT is also encouraging everyone to go out and vote on October 25, 2010. Click here to see the list of candidates the ANCT has decided to endorse. If you would like to get involved or volunteer your time, please contact Araz Hasserjian. ANCT Hosts Fundraiser for mayoral candidate George Smitherman On Sunday, September 12, 2010, The Armenian National Committee of Toronto organized a fundraiser for Toronto mayoral candidate George Smitherman whom the ANCT is actively supporting. Mr. Rob Oliphant, M.P. for Don Valley West, was present to show support for George. Also on hand were Shelley Carroll, Councillor for Don Valley East, Norm Kelly, Councillor for Scarborough-Agincourt, Peter Karl Youngren, candidate for city councillor in Don Valley East, and Toronto District School Board Trustees Michael Coteau and Shaun Chen. Read more... ANCT Hosts a Reception for Markham Election Candidates On Saturday, September 25, 2010, the Armenian National Committee of Toronto hosted an event on behalf of the Armenian Community of Markham, for a number of the candidates running for election in the Town of Markham council on October 25th. Present was Deputy Mayor Jack Heath, Regional Councillor Gordon Landon, current Councillor for Ward 6 and Regional Council candidate, Dan Horchik; Councillor for Ward 8, Alex Chiu; and Councillor Candidate for Ward 6, Khalid Usman. Read more... Ontario Progressive Conservative Party Members Mark the 19th Anniversary of Armenia's Independence On September 22, 2010 John Yakabuski, MPP for Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke, read a statement in the Legislative Assembly of Toronto recognizing the 19th Anniversary of the Republic of Armenia's independence. He presented the statement on behalf of the Ontario Progressive Conservative Caucus and its leader, Tim Hudak MPP for Niagara West-Glanbrook. In his statement, Mr. Yakabuski referenced the "peaceful unity protests in February 1988" regarding the reunification of Nagorno-Karabakh with Armenia, and extended his "warmest congratulations to our entire Armenian community on Armenian Independence Day." Read more... Watch video... Canadian MP's Make a Visit to Armenia A Canadian parliamentary delegation led by MP Harold Albrecht, Conservative and Chairman of Canada - Armenia Friendship Group, Mr. Rob Oliphant, Liberal, and Tony Martin, of the New Democratic Party, paid an official visit to the Republic of Armenia from September 6 to 10, 2010. The visit served as an opportunity to speak with Armenian officials, including President Serzh Sargsyan, about expanding and strengthening the relationship between Armenia and Canada. They also had the chance to touch on issues surrounding Armenian-Turkish relations and the Nagorno-Karabakh situation. The Canadian delegation also took the opportunity to visit the Armenian Genocide Memorial Dzidzernagapert and the adjacent centre to pay homage to more than 1.5 million Armenians who were killed by the Ottoman authorities. Subscribe to ANCT's Frequent Donor Program! We need your help to help advance the Armenian Cause. While we may never win the "money war" against our opponents, every little bit helps to increase our resources and ability to leverage the activism of our community members. Please consider making a lasting relationship with ANCT by signing up for recurring donations through our safe and secure Frequent Donor Program. To sign up please visit www.anctoronto.org/donations or contact us at anct@anctoronto.org Videos Ontario Progressive Conservative Party Members Mark the 19th Anniversary of Armenia's Independence ANC Toronto on Nor Hai Horizon TV The Armenian National Committee of Toronto is a chapter of the Armenian National Committee of Canada, a grassroots organization that was founded in 1965 to address the concerns of the Canadian Armenian community on a broad range of issues. Published by the Armenian National Committee of Toronto 45 Hallcrown Place, Willowdale, Ontario, M2J 4Y4 Tel: 416.491.2900 E-mail: anct@anctoronto.org Web: www.anctoronto.org

Municipal Elections - October 25, 2010

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2010 Municipal Elections Endorsement List City of Toronto Mayor of the City of Toronto Mayoral Candidate George Smitherman has been a long time friend of the Armenian Community of Toronto. After a very successful career in provincial politics, having held high ranking positions as Minister of Health, Energy, Infrastructure and most recently as Deputy Premier of Ontario, George decided to take a run for the Mayor of Toronto. His pledge to the city is an expanded transit system - which will see a subway line go to Sherway Gardens to the west and a subway line to U of T Scarborough to the east, a 100 day review of the city's finances - which includes a freeze on taxes and new hires, and the continued commitment that Toronto can be stronger and more prosperous only if we continue to celebrate and embrace our rich diversity. Under his watch, the province saw a significant reduction in wait times for key surgeries, more doctors and nurses and large scale infrastructure investments such as the joint federal/provincial community grant program with which the Armenian Community Centre of Toronto has already started redevelopment and construction. Having attended the Armenian Genocide commemoration event this past April, the annual Summerfest in July and most recently, an intimate reception organized by the Armenian National Committee of Toronto, George is very familiar with our community's issues and has committed, should he be elected as Mayor, to continue to develop strong ties, keep lines of communication very open and accessible with the Office of the Mayor, and work towards the development and growth of our community here in Toronto. Toronto City Councillors Ward 22 - St. Paul’s Josh Matlow served as a Toronto District School Board Trustee during the last term and was very supportive of the approval of the Grade 11 “Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity” course, which includes a unit on the Armenian Genocide. Josh is now running for a position as city councillor in his ward. He has proven to be a dedicated and quality representative and garners the support of our community. Ward 23 - Willowdale John Filion has been serving the people of Willowdale for over 25 years. He has the support of one the Armenian community’s close friends, Martha Hall Findlay, MP for Willowdale. Ward 29 - Toronto-Danforth Having been a councillor in the past, Jane Pitfield is looking to return to City Hall. She has been present at the Armenian Genocide commemoration organized by ANCT in the past. Ward 33 - Don Valley East Ward 33 includes the Armenian Community Centre, and Councillor Shelley Carroll has proven to be a long time friend of the Armenian community. She is a regular attendee and supporter of the annual Summerfest celebrations, Armenian Genocide commemoration, as well as a number of community events. Ward 34 - Don Valley East Peter Karl Youngren is a new candidate in Ward 34, looking to be a fresh face in City Hall. Peter’s ambitions have earned him the support of many of the Armenian community’s friends, including David Caplan, MPP for Don Valley East. We look forward to building on our relationship with Peter once he is elected. Ward 39 - Scarborough-Agincourt Mike Del Grande is a long time friend of the Toronto Armenian community, having served as councillor for Ward 39 since 2003. During his time in office, he has supported the Armenian community and frequently attends our events. Ward 40 - Scarborough-Agincourt Norm Kelly has served as a member of Toronto city council since 1994. He has strong support in his ward and remains an important ally to the Armenian Community of Toronto. Town of Markham Mayor of the Town of Markham Frank Scarpitti has served the Town of Markham in various leadership roles since 1985, when he was first elected to the Markham Regional Council. He was elected as Mayor in 2006, and during his time in office has been a friend of the Armenian community. Notably, Frank presented an Armenian Genocide survivor with a gift on behalf of the town at a reception on the occasion of the Town of Markham unanimously passing a motion officially designating April 24 as a day of remembrance for the Armenian community in memory of the Armenian Genocide during the First World War. Regional Councillors Jack Heath has served as Deputy Mayor for the Town of Markham since 2007. He has been a strong supporter of the Armenian community, and has been an important figure, sponsoring the annual May 28 Armenian Independence Day ceremony at Markham Town Hall. Jack also sponsored the Town of Markham’s motion officially designating April 24 as a day of remembrance for the Armenian community in memory of the Armenian Genocide during the First World War. Gordon Landon is the longest serving councillor in the history of Markham. He has served the town well, and has continually supported the Armenian community during his impressive 27 years in politics. Dan Horchik served as the councillor for Ward 6 this past term, and is now seeking election as a regional councillor. He is a friend of the Armenian community in Markham. Councillors Councillor Ward 3 Don Hamilton is running for re-election as councillor for Ward 3. He has supported Armenian events in Markham in the past, including the May 28th Independence day celebrations held at the Markham Town Centre. Councillor Ward 5 John Webster has served as a councillor for Ward 5 since 2003. He has the strong support of the people in Markham, and has earned the support of the Armenian community by attending our events, such as the May 28th Independence day celebrations. Councillor Ward 6 Khalid Usman is a new face to Ward 6, but is no stranger to the Armenian community. He has attended Armenian Genocide commemorations in the past, and we look forward to working with him again in the future. Councillor Ward 7 Logan Kanapathi has served as councillor for Ward 7 since being elected 2006. He has worked closely with the Armenian Community, attending a number of our community events. Councillor Ward 8 Alex Chiu has served 8 consecutive terms as councillor for Ward 8. He has been involved in the Armenian community and has supported our events and endeavours in the past.