Call from the Federation of Turkish Associations of Canada Regarding Petition No. e-4929

The Federation of Turkish Associations in Canada (KTDF) urges Members of Parliament to exercise the utmost care and attention regarding petition e-4929. We are deeply concerned that the arguments underlying this petition are a distortion of history and promote divisive rhetoric targeting Turkish Canadians.

This is not the first time such initiatives have been introduced. A similar motion was submitted to the Senate in 2018, but was rejected. The motion in question was Non-Governmental Motion No. 158 – Pontic Greeks Memorial Day , 27 November 2018, 42nd Parliament, 1st Session, submitted by Senator Pana Merchant and Senator Leo Housakos. The Senate record is available here.

Historical and Legal Facts Ignored in Petition No. e-4929

• May 19th is a National Holiday in Turkey: May 19th marks the beginning of the Turkish War of Independence, launched against occupying forces under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Atatürk is the founder of the Republic of Turkey, its first President, and a symbol of the principle of equality. This day is a national holiday in Turkey and a source of pride for all Turks. Atatürk is admired not only by Turks but throughout the world.

• Post-World War I Greek Occupation: Between 1830 and 1920, Greek rebels implemented the "Pure Hellenism" ( Enosis ) policy, targeting minorities. Following World War I, under British direction, the Greek Army invaded Izmir on May 15, 1919, and during the 3.5-year occupation, they burned hundreds of thousands of homes and caused the deaths of numerous Turkish civilians.

• Yalova-Gemlik Massacres (1920–1921): Reports by the Allied Commission, composed of British, French, American, and Italian officers, and by Maurice Gehri, a representative of the International Red Cross, documented systematic massacres by Greek and Armenian gangs and the Greek army. The reports included references to “the burning and looting of Turkish villages,” “outbursts of violence by Greeks and Armenians against Turks,” and “a systematic plan to exterminate the Muslim population.” (Sources: Gingeras, 2009; Naimark, 2002; Toynbee, The Western Question )

• Greece's Responsibility in the International Arena:

  • Article 59 of the Treaty of Lausanne clearly states that war crimes and destruction belong to the Greek army and administration. Treaty text.

  • In 1922, six high-ranking Greek officials were tried for treason and four, including former Prime Minister Dimitrios Gounaris, were executed. Source.
    

A Call for Balance and Responsibility

Petition e-4929 disregards these documented historical facts and presents a one-sided narrative designed to denigrate Turks. Such attempts divide, rather than strengthen, Canada's multicultural society.

It should not be forgotten that after the devastation of the Great War, Türkiye chose peace and reconciliation; the bond of friendship established with Canadian soldiers who fought in the Gallipoli Campaign has become an enduring example in Canada-Türkiye relations today.

Today's Realities

History must be remembered accurately, but it must not be distorted for political gain. Even today, Turkish minorities in Western Thrace face problems such as harassment, imprisonment, land seizures, and the denial of religious freedoms. This situation is documented in numerous international human rights reports.

In North America, certain lobby groups influenced by foreign interests—notably the American Hellenic Council (AHC) and its affiliates—frequently attempt to enact legislation targeting Turks. Petition e-4929 echoes this same rhetoric, attempting to infiltrate the Canadian Parliament and education system.

Conclusion

The Federation of Turkish Associations in Canada calls on Canadian MPs to reject Petition E-4929. This petition is divisive, historically inaccurate, and damaging to Canada's multicultural heritage. The Canadian Parliament should be the seat of truth, justice, and unity—not historical distortion and foreign lobbies.