The Premier of Ontario said the Black July pogrom of 1983 serves as a reminder of the need to “remain ever-vigilant against all forms of bigotry and intolerance,” in a message of commemoration this week.
“History is a great teacher — for those who are open to its lessons,” said Premier Kathleen Wynne. “That is why today, you pause to remember the victims of violent acts against Tamils. We also remember the lives lost and displaced in the Sri Lankan Civil War that followed.”
“Reports of hate crimes in North America and around the world serve to remind us that we must remain ever-vigilant against all forms of bigotry and intolerance,” she added in her message to the Tamil community.
“Know that my thoughts are with you on this day of remembrance.”
See the full text of her statement here.