Regret, Responsibility, and Reconciliation

‘Ukrainian-Canadians had already once felt alienated in their own country, and recognition from the government was crucial to this community in order to feel valued in Canada. Their success came in 2005 when Parliament passed the Internment of Persons of Ukrainian Origin Recognition Act. This act would call for federal government funding of $25 million to be used towards memorial plaques and other ceremonial and educational ways to remember this past injustice. There is of course no way for the harsh memories to be forgotten by the community, but by the government taking responsibility in recognizing the hardships faced, redress is ultimately achieved, as it is showing the government cares about Ukrainian Canadians’ well-being.’

Regret, Responsibility, and Reconciliation

Zoe Harrison

Grade 10

The Bishop Strachan School
Toronto, Ontario

‘being fair and just in our time […] can ultimately be achieved by the government recognizing past injustices, but not apologizing for them’

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