Moved by Regional Councillor Joe Li Seconded by Regional Councillor Jim Jones

Whereas December 13, 1937 was the start of the Nanjing Massacre and this year marks the 80th Anniversary; and,

Whereas more than 300,000 people in Nanjing (comparable to the current population of the City of Markham), including women and young children were tortured, raped, and murdered during the Japanese invasion of China in World War II; and,

Whereas this atrocity in China has been largely unknown to many in Canada as it is rarely discussed but continues to have a deeply felt impact in many Asian societies, including Markham's diverse Asian communities; and,

Whereas honouring the individuals that lost their lives and educating the public of these atrocities is necessary to promote understanding and peace; and,

Whereas Markham is home to a high percentage of residents of Chinese origin in Canada, some of whom recall the atrocities that took place during this dark period; and,

Whereas the Toronto District School Board which is the largest school board in North America, passed a unanimous motion in year 2008, encouraging the teaching of the atrocities of the Nanjing Massacre and Japanese Military Sexual Slavery in their schools; and,

Whereas the City of Toronto issued a proclamation for the 75th Anniversary of the Nanjing Massacre in 2012 and then reaffirmed its recognition on December 2016; and,

Whereas the City of Markham can play a vital role in raising public awareness by affirming its recognition of the Nanjing Massacre, as a crime against humanity, in honour of the men, women and children who died; and,

Whereas the City of Markham encourages the York Region School Board to follow the Toronto District School Board by encouraging the teaching of the atrocities of the Nanjing Massacre and Japanese Military Sexual Slavery in their schools;