The Armenian National Committee of Canada (ANCC) expresses its profound outrage and disappointment over Prime Minister Mark Carney’s decision to deepen Canada’s relationship with Turkey, culminating in the signing of a new strategic partnership agreement that expands cooperation in defence, security, trade and energy. At a time when Ankara continues to deny the Armenian Genocide, undermine democratic freedoms, and support Azerbaijan’s aggression against Armenians, Canada’s decision to elevate relations with Turkey raises serious questions about our government’s commitment to its longstanding principles and values. Equally disturbing is Prime Minister Carney’s visit to the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. Far from being merely the founder of modern Turkey, Ataturk led the Turkish nationalist movement responsible for continuing the persecution, massacres and dispossession of Armenian Genocide survivors. His forces invaded the independent Republic of Armenia in 1920, inflicting further suffering on a people already devastated by genocide. Paying tribute to this historical figure is deeply offensive to Armenian Canadians and disregards this painful chapter of our history. Canada formally recognized the Armenian Genocide in 2004. That recognition carries a moral responsibility that must not be compromised in the pursuit of economic or geopolitical interests. The ANCC firmly believes that Canada can diversify its international partnerships without sacrificing its principles, overlooking historical injustices or rewarding governments whose actions contradict the very values Canada claims to defend. Economic opportunity must never come at the expense of historical truth, human rights and Canadian values.

Sevag Belian, the executive director of the Armenian National Committee of Canada, says any nuclear deal with Turkey deserves close scrutiny.  He pointed to the previous falling out between the two countries which resulted in Canada imposing a de facto arms embargo, which was mostly lifted in 2024. The lifting of those measures was the price Erdogen demanded of the Trudeau government for getting behind Sweden's membership in NATO. The fallout started in 2020 when Turkish authorities applied for an exemption related to importation of Wescam target acquisition gear used in Turkey's Bayraktar drones. "We know from the disclosed documents that they had said that they will be using the few cameras that they got through the exemption for reconnaissance activities related to NATO operations in the north of Syria," said Belian. "But then we know that those cameras were actually diverted illegally to Azerbaijan and used during the war in Nagorno Karabakh. "We have established through parliamentary investigation that the Turkish side clearly lied." cbc.ca/news/politics/canada-…

Speaking to CTV News, ANCC’s Sevag Belian expressed the Armenian-Canadian community’s “alarm and concern” over Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to Turkey and the prospect of deepening bilateral relations. “As Canadians, we’re very supportive of the government’s efforts to diversify trade relations. We just do not believe at all that Turkey is the right partner,” Belian stated, pointing to Ankara’s human rights record and its “destabilizing role” in the region. Belian also raised concerns that closer relations could place Canada’s longstanding recognition of the Armenian Genocide on the negotiating table. “We are very fearful that the Turkish side will put this issue on the table. But we are hopeful that the Canadian side won’t budge,” he told CTV News. Canada formally recognized the Armenian Genocide in 2004, a historic position that the ANCC remains committed to safeguarding.

As Prime Minister Mark Carney prepares for his official visit to Turkey, the Armenian National Committee of Canada (ANCC) is raising serious concerns over Ottawa’s efforts to strengthen economic and strategic relations with Ankara. Speaking to The Globe, ANCC National Board member Sevag Belian cautioned that “values-based realism must not become a convenient justification for compromising fundamental principles in pursuit of economic or strategic interests.” Renowned Canadian filmmaker Atom Egoyan echoed these concerns, highlighting the risks of transferring Canadian military technology to Turkey, particularly given its previous use in support of Azerbaijan’s military operations against Armenians. As Canada pursues closer relations with Turkey, the ANCC maintains that economic and strategic interests must not come at the expense of human rights, democratic freedoms, international accountability, and regional security. Canada's foreign policy must remain guided by the principles and values it seeks to uphold.

Les otages arméniens à Bakou : la lutte juridique en cours pour la justice Joignez-vous à nous à Montréal pour une importante assemblée publique avec Siranush Sahakyan, directrice générale de l’ « Armenian Legal Center for Justice and Human Rights » et co-fondatrice du « International and Comparative Law Center ». Elle fera le point sur la situation des otages arméniens détenus illégalement à Bakou, les procédures en cours devant la Cour européenne des droits de l’homme (CEDH) et les efforts visant à garantir leurs droits, leur protection et leur libération. 📅 Jeudi 8 octobre 2026 🕗 20 h 📍 Centre communautaire arménien de Montréal 🎟️ Entrée gratuite Venez vous informer et montrez votre solidarité. Partagez l’invitation ! Coorganisé par le Comité national arménien du Canada (CNAC) et l’ « Armenian Legal Center for Justice and Human Rights »

No reliable access to heating during brutal, sub-freezing winters. No adequate medical relief amid Azerbaijani airstrikes and the use of cluster munitions. No reliable access to food, medicine, or essential supplies. Artsakh was deprived of the basic necessities its people needed to survive. The ANCC is clear in its position: this was ethnic cleansing. Yet Artsakh lives on. It lives on in the hearts and minds of its people, in their memories, their culture, and their determination to keep its story alive. As long as we continue to speak about Artsakh, its people, and what happened to them, it cannot simply be erased. Canada must take meaningful action now by ensuring that no Canadian military equipment, technology, or other goods contribute to Azerbaijan or Turkey’s destructive efforts, and by unequivocally supporting the unconditional right of displaced Armenians from Artsakh to return safely and with dignity to their homes. The ANCC will continue advocating at every level of government until Canada and the rest of the international community take meaningful action and justice is served. Artsakh lives on, and we will not stop speaking for its people.

Thirty-five years of independence, and a lifetime to go. Through every triumph and every trial, the heartbeat of our nation has never wavered. Today, as we raise our flag and mark 35 years of Armenian statehood, our hearts and thoughts are deeply with Artsakh. Borders can’t contain our soul, and the unbreakable spirit of our brothers and sisters remains part of everything we are and everything we fight for. Our strength is in our people, our shared history, and the way we always stand together, no matter where we call home. Happy 35th Independence Day, Armenia.

MONTREAL! Join us on October 8 for an important town hall with human rights lawyer Siranush Sahakyan, Executive Director of the Armenian Legal Center for Justice and Human Rights (ALC). Sahakyan will discuss the Armenian hostages unlawfully held in Baku, their ongoing cases before the European Court of Human Rights, and the continued legal efforts to secure justice, protection and their release.

TORONTO! Join us on October 6 for an important town hall with human rights lawyer Siranush Sahakyan, Executive Director of the Armenian Legal Center for Justice and Human Rights (ALC). Sahakyan will discuss the Armenian hostages unlawfully held in Baku, their ongoing cases before the European Court of Human Rights, and the continued legal efforts to secure justice, protection and their release.

September 2, 1991 - 35 years since the declaration of independence of Artsakh. We honour the resilience, courage, and enduring spirit of a people who fought to determine their own future and preserve their ancestral homeland. The Azerbaijani government’s campaign of aggression and ethnic cleansing forcibly displaced more than 120,000 Armenians from their homes. Yet displacement cannot erase their history, identity, or fundamental rights. The Armenian National Committee of Canada remains unwavering in its commitment to justice, accountability, the preservation of Armenian heritage, and the fundamental right of those displaced to return to their homes safely and with dignity. We will never forget. We will never stop advocating. 🇦🇲

His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, received outgoing Canadian Ambassador to Armenia Andrew Turner at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin on August 18, as the Ambassador prepares to conclude his mission. During the farewell meeting, His Holiness thanked Ambassador Turner for his service in Armenia and praised his efforts to deepen Armenian-Canadian relations. He also expressed appreciation for the support Armenia has received from the Canadian government and people, while highlighting the Armenian-Canadian community’s active role in Canada’s public and political life. Ambassador Turner thanked His Holiness for the warm reception and support extended throughout his tenure, noting that he leaves Armenia with fond memories of the Armenian people and the country’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage. We thank Ambassador Turner for visiting Catholicos Karekin II, the leading moral and spiritual authority for Armenians worldwide, and for recognizing the importance of the Mother See in the life of the Armenian nation.

The Armenian National Committee of Canada welcomes the appointment of Julie Crowley as Canada’s next Ambassador to Armenia. We look forward to working with Ambassador-designate Crowley and continuing our longstanding engagement in support of stronger Canada–Armenia relations, enhanced cooperation and the enduring ties between our two peoples. We also extend our sincere gratitude to outgoing Ambassador Andrew Turner for his years of dedicated service, valued partnership and friendship with the Armenian Canadian community.

We were pleased to meet with Minister Mélanie Joly during her visit to the Armenian Community Centre of Cambridge, alongside former Cambridge MP Bryan May. Together with ANC Southwestern Ontario, we had the opportunity to introduce the Minister to Cambridge’s vibrant and dynamic Armenian community and to discuss a range of issues important to Armenian Canadians, including domestic priorities, the situation in Artsakh and the continued strengthening of Canada Armenia relations. We thank Minister Joly and Mr. May for their time and engagement with our community. @melaniejoly @_BryanMay

Happy Canada Day. Today, we celebrate the country we call home and reflect on the values that must continue to guide it: freedom, justice, democracy, human rights, and dignity for all. As Canadian Armenians, we are proud to contribute to Canada’s civic life while continuing to advocate for truth, accountability, and the rights of Armenians in Artsakh, Armenia, and around the world. May Canada continue to be a place where communities are heard, heritage is protected, and justice remains a shared responsibility. Happy Canada Day to all. #CanadaDay