Motion 66-Nanjing Massacre Commemorative Day
TORONTO – On October 26, Motion 66- Nanjing Massacre Commemorative Day, passed in the Ontario Legislature. The passing of this Motion is an important step in affirming Ontario’s inclusive values. It recognizes the horrors of World War II in Asia, and shows humanity for victims, survivors, and families affected by the Nanjing Massacre, many of whom live in Ontario.
December 13, 2017 marks the 80th anniversary of the Nanjing Massacre, a central issue for the more than three million Ontarians of Asian descent. Through this dedicated day of remembrance, all Ontarians have an opportunity to become familiar with the atrocities of World War II in Asia, especially the brutal acts toward women and girls.
In passing the Motion, the province continues to lead in promoting peace, strengthening human rights, and building a future based on mutual respect. Further, the Nanjing Massacre Commemorative Day will allow Ontario students to have a purposeful day of education regarding the Second World War in Asia.
Quotes
"I am pleased the Ontario Legislature has unanimously passed Motion 66 declaring December 13th annually the Nanjing Massacre Commemorate Day in Ontario. The passing of this Motion is significant in promoting peace and inclusive, respectful future. This day will allow all Ontarians to reflect, to honour and to remember the victims, survivors and families affected by the atrocity that occurred 80 years ago in Asia. ”
- Soo Wong, MPP Scarborough- Agincourt
“For the Chinese and other Asian communities in Ontario, this Motion is of great importance. It shows the provincial legislature for the first time recognizes that atrocities in Asia’s WWII, symbolized by the horrors of the Nanjing Massacre, did occur and important enough to be remembered every year, and promoted in our education system. It also means that the heritage and history of the 3 million Asian Ontarians are being recognized and reflected in our Legislature. It provides a space for the Chinese community to commemorate and honour the victims of the Nanjing Massacre, and a foundation on which all Asian communities can build trust and reconciliation and peace.”
- Dr. Joseph Wong, Founder of ALPHA Education
“As educators we have the responsibility to ensure our students understand the realities of World War II in Asia so we can have a more authentic dialogue about social justice, courage and humanity. This Motion for the ‘Nanjing Massacre Commemorative Day’ is a big step in raising awareness to stimulate this dialogue.
- Gerry Connelly, ALPHA Education Board Member; former Director of Education at the Toronto District School Board
“The Ontario Legislature passing the “Nanjing Massacre Commemorative Day” Motion has far-reaching and broad historical and education significance. It allows Ontarians and descendants to gather together to remember and honour the victims, survivors, and families affected by the Nanjing Massacre.”
- Peter Lin, President of the Confederation of Toronto Chinese-Canadian Organizations ”
“ October 26, 2017
Statement on Motion 66- Nanjing Massacre Commemorative Day
In this Legislative session, from December 2016 to present, NO Private Members Bills (PMB) have been passed in the Ontario Legislature. Given this fact, I have made the decision to address the only opportunity for me in this Legislative session to respond to the over 90,000 Ontarians who signed the petition to declare December 13 Nanjing Massacre Commemorative Day.
Bill 79, regarding this issue, is still before the Standing Committee of Justice Policy and I am not confident it will pass by December 13, 2017, the 80th anniversary of the Nanjing Massacre. At present there are eight Bills before this Committee, and one of which is a Government Bill (Bill 154, Cutting Unnecessary Red Tape Act, 2017) which takes precedent over the other seven PMBs.
I introduced Motion 66- Nanjing Massacre Commemorative Day in the Ontario Legislature to enable all MPPs to debate and vote on this motion on the same day. The Motion encourages the community to have an official, recognized day of remembrance in time for the 80th anniversary of the Nanjing Massacre while Bill 79 goes through the lengthy legislative process.
Soo Wong, MPP
Scarborough- Agincourt”