Poland in Canada

In the evening of December 13, 2021, Members of Parliament, representatives of the Diplomatic Corps, members of Polonia and friends of Poland in Canada gathered at the Garden of Provinces and Territories adjacent to the Memorial of Victims of Communism Canada - Land of Refuge for a candlelight vigil.

The solemn ceremony started with the beautiful rendition of the national anthem of Canada and Poland performed by Marek Korkusinski.

Yvan Baker, MP delivered a letter from The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, the Prime Minister of Canada, in which the PM paid “….tribute to the strength and spirit of Polish Canadians, and Polish communities around the world”. PM also expressed hope for “ … a future built on peace and mutual respect”. PM Trudeau also “wished everyone a memorable commemorative event and candle lighting ceremony”.

Tom Kmieć, MP delivered the statement from the Leader of the Official Opposition, The Right Honourable Erin O’Toole in which he stressed that “….Canada will always stand for those who suffer under the communist regime and will always support the fight for justice and freedom”.

The Embassy of the Republic of Poland was represented by the Chargé d'affaires, Krzysztof Lewandowski and the Consul Sebastian Szyszczynski. The Polish Embassy was also well engaged in preparations of the commemoration event. In his brief comments, Chargé d'affaires stressed that “on that day 40 years ago, Poland entered a two-year long night”. “We pay tribute and bow our heads to the freedom fighters”, said Mr. Lewandowski. He also thanked Canada for providing a haven for thousands of Polish refugees. He expressed his appreciation to the organizers for holding this ceremony.

Scott McCaig, CC, Bishop of the Military Ordinariate of Canada blessed the participants and said a prayer for those who sacrificed and resisted oppression and for the innocent victims. He prayed to heal the historic scars and prayed for forgiveness and repentance. In his remarks, the Bishop also mentioned Father Jerzy Popiełuszko, Saint John Paul II.

Ludwik Klimkowski (TTL, CPC Inc.) thanked all those who attended and all those who helped organized the event. In a poignant and highly symbolic gesture, he invited participants to light candles and to place them under the Canadian and Polish flags. A moment of silence and reflection followed thus ending the official part of the event.

It was a dignified, solemn and deeply moving ceremony that was well attended despite adverse winter conditions. It was also a special day that began with unprecedented three Statements made in the House of Commons by MPs from the Government and the Official Opposition. This was largely a result of our outreach to key parliamentarians by inviting them to the ceremony and to recognize this special anniversary during Senate and House of Commons proceedings.

It was an event organized by the Tribute to Liberty and the Canadian Polish Club Inc. The 40th Anniversary of Martial law will be forever preserved in the Canadian Parliament in the form of Member Statements delivered to show solidarity with those who fought for democracy, freedom, and human rights.

Statements:  Irek Kusmierczyk, Tom Kmiec, Yvan Baker

Messages:   Justin Trudeau,  Michelle Rempel