In 2005, the United Nations General Assembly passed resolution 60/7 designating January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

This date marks the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camps in 1945. It is a day of remembrance, an opportunity to learn about the Holocaust, to reflect on its atrocities, and to honour its victims to ensure it will never happen again. 

We remember the six million Jewish people who were systemically murdered, and hundreds of thousands more that were displaced by this horrendous act of hatred. We acknowledge the pain and sense of loss this day brings for both the survivors and their families. 

As we reflect on the magnitude of this genocide, we also honour the millions of murdered Slavic peoples, non-Jewish Poles, Romani people, people living with disabilities, gay men, Black people, communists, socialists and other political or ideological opponents of the Nazi regime.  

Today is not just a historic reflection. Organizations around the world have reported a rise in antisemitic hatred and violence. Here in Canada, we are not immune to the bigotry that gave rise to one of the darkest moments in human history. Therefore, today is also a reminder to be vigilant and active in our pursuit of equity and social justice. 

In remembrance of the six million children, women, and men who were murdered by acts of hate, PSAC renews its commitment to fighting discrimination and antisemitism wherever it is found, especially in our members’ workplaces, our communities and our union.

Today and every day, we must stand against hatred, intolerance, and racism in all its forms.