Canadian PM Mark Carney honours Ukraine on Holodomor Memorial Day

Carney released an official statement paying tribute to the millions of Ukrainians who perished in the famine of 1932–33, which he described as a deliberate act of genocide by Stalin’s Soviet regime.

“Today, we remember the millions of Ukrainians who suffered and died during the Holodomor—a genocide carried out by Stalin’s Soviet regime in 1932 and 1933. It was a deliberate attempt to starve and eradicate the Ukrainian nation, yet Ukraine endured,” Carney said in a statement.

He drew a parallel between that historical atrocity and the present-day threat posed by Russia, saying, “For centuries, Russia has sought to dominate Ukraine.

"Time and time again, Ukrainians have fought back with tremendous determination—on the battlefield, in their communities, and through their unwavering commitment to their sovereignty, land, and heritage.”

Carney issued a strong message of support to Ukraine, calling its cause “our cause”. He said, “We stand with you — now and always.”

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Carney noted, Canada has contributed nearly CA$ 22 billion in assistance to Ukraine, including more than CA$ 12 billion in direct financial support.

“Ukraine’s strength today stands as the clearest rebuke to those who have tried to erase it,” Carney said.

Holodomor Memorial Day is observed annually on the fourth Saturday of November under presidential decrees issued in 1998 and 2007.

Ukrainians traditionally light memorial candles in their homes to honour those who died in the man-made famine.