In a powerful demonstration of unity and moral clarity, newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, joined by voices from across the country’s political spectrum, issued a series of solemn and determined tributes to mark Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day. The commemorations came on the 16th anniversary of the massacre at Mullivaikkal, where tens of thousands of Tamil civilians were killed by the Sri Lankan military in the final days of the country’s brutal civil war in May 2009.
Prime Minister Carney, addressing the nation for the first time on the occasion since assuming office, released a statement that paid tribute to the victims and underscored his government’s commitment to truth, justice, and accountability. “On this Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day, we remember the lives lost the families torn apart, the communities devastated, and those who remain missing to this day,” he said. “Canada continues to support independent international efforts to seek accountability and push for truth and justice. Let this solemn anniversary strengthen our resolve to act in tribute, with courage, and for lasting peace.”
Canada has long stood at the forefront of international recognition of the atrocities committed in Sri Lanka. In May 2022, the Canadian Parliament formally designated May 18 as Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day, becoming the first country in the world to do so. In January 2023, the government imposed sanctions on Sri Lankan officials, including former Presidents Mahinda and Gotabaya Rajapaksa, for their alleged roles in war crimes and human rights abuses.
This year, politicians from federal and provincial legislatures, as well as city leaders, released statements echoing the Prime Minister’s message. Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre issued a powerful message, calling the Mullivaikkal massacre “not just a massacre, it was a genocide.” He reflected on the scale of violence and the suffering endured by Tamil civilians, particularly in the closing days of the war. “Sixteen years later, we honour the victims and recognize the urgent need for justice. The Rajapaksa regime’s war crimes must not be forgotten, nor its perpetrators left unpunished. Canada must never be a safe haven for war criminals.”
Poilievre praised former Prime Minister Stephen Harper for confronting the Sri Lankan government during his tenure and promised that a Conservative government under his leadership would pursue justice at the international level, including pushing for prosecution at the International Criminal Court. He also emphasized the resilience of Tamil Canadians, noting how they had turned trauma into strength and contributed richly to the nation’s diversity.
Vijay Thanigasalam, Tamil MPP for Scarborough Rouge Park, marked the day with a solemn statement recognizing the deliberate targeting of civilians in Mullivaikkal. He described the Sri Lankan state’s actions in May 2009 as a systematic program of genocide, citing the shelling of hospitals and no-fire zones, and the blocking of humanitarian aid. “We honour the countless innocent lives lost in the Tamil Genocide and reaffirm our commitment to ensure that history never repeats itself. We must never remain silent. We must continue to share their stories.”
Mark Carney’s cabinet also responded with firm messages of solidarity. Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State for International Development, emphasized Canada’s continuing support for justice, while Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Tim Hodgson said the nation still calls for accountability and peace. MPs such as Salma Zahid, Fares Al Soud, Sameer Zuberi, Iqwinder Gaheer, and Rob Oliphant added their voices, expressing compassion for survivors, recognition of the trauma endured, and commitment to healing through truth and remembrance.
Among municipal leaders, Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown issued one of the strongest declarations. Calling the massacre “a mass genocide against the Tamil people,” Brown emphasized that many survivors found refuge in Canada and that the country must honour their pain with action. He highlighted the Tamil Genocide Memorial Monument now established in Brampton, describing it as a “powerful symbol of remembrance” and a call for justice. He expressed hope that one day the perpetrators of the atrocities would be held accountable before international law.
The City of Brampton also officially recognized the period from May 12 to May 18 as Tamil Genocide Education Week and reiterated its commitment to the Tamil community, noting their contributions to the city’s cultural and civic life.
In Toronto, City Councillor Jamaal Myers noted the presence of the largest Tamil diaspora outside Sri Lanka and reaffirmed the city’s solidarity with the community. “We remember the victims, support the survivors, and stand together in hope for healing and peace,” he said.
What was striking this year was not just the consistency of the message, but its breadth. Across party lines and across Canada, there was a clear and unrelenting call: to remember the genocide, to honour the dead, and to ensure that justice is neither denied nor delayed. With Prime Minister Mark Carney now leading Canada’s international voice, and with growing momentum at every level of government, the message to the world and to Sri Lanka is unequivocal.
Canada will not forget Mullivaikkal. Canada will not abandon its Tamil community. And Canada will not stop demanding truth and justice for the lives lost.
