The unveiling of Canada's "Victims of Communism" memorial is on hold as officials investigate a report flagging over half of the honorees for potential connections to fascist organizations.
The Memorial to the Victims of Communism in Canada is a monument in Ottawa, Ontario intended to honor those who suffered under communism regimes. Completed last year, its original Nov. 2023 unveiling was delayed when Parliament's decision to honor a soldier found to have served under Nazi command led to international embarrassment.
The Department of Canadian Heritage commissioned a report auditing their "Victims of Communism" to avoid another problematic mistake. The report, obtained by the Ottawa Citizen, came back recommending over 330 of the 550 names be removed, concluding 50 to 60 of the names had direct ties to Nazis, with other exclusions based on a lack of information or connection to Canada.
"It is totally unacceptable for Nazis and collaborators to be honored by a Canadian public memorial, especially one meant to recognize victims of state violence and tyranny," said Jaime Kirzner-Roberts, a senior director at the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Centre, which has worked for years to advocate for the removal of Nazis commemorated in the Victims of Communism memorial.
In 2021, Global Affairs Canada advised Canadian Heritage about the memorial, stating, "It is important to note that many anti-communist and anti-Soviet advocates and fighters were also active Nazi collaborators, who committed documented massacres," according to the Ottawa Citizen.
Kirzner-Roberts told the Ottawa Citizen her organization is fighting for the implementation of more rigorous vetting procedures.
Inquiries into government plans to remove the 330 questionable entries were met by Canadian Heritage spokesperson Caroline Czajkowski, who told the Ottawa Citizen "the review of commemorative elements is ongoing."
A project originally budgeted at $1.5 million funded through private donations, The Memorial to the Victims of Communism now boasts a $7.5 million price tag, with the difference drawn from public funds.
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