Federation of Canadian Turkish Associations Urges Caution on Petition e-4929

The Federation of Canadian Turkish Associations (FCTA) calls on Members of Parliament to exercise the utmost caution and consideration in voting on Petition e-4929. We are deeply concerned that the arguments behind this petition represent a political distortion of history and promote divisive rhetoric targeting Canadian Turks.

This is not the first time such an initiative has been attempted. In 2018, a similar motion was proposed to the Senate by Senator Pana Merchant and Senator Leo Housakos (Non-Government Motion No. 158 – Pontic Greeks Remembrance, November 27, 2018, 42nd Parliament, 1st Session) and was voted down. Senate record available here.

Historical and Legal Facts Ignored by Petition e-4929

May 19 as a National Holiday in Türkiye:

May 19 marks the beginning of the Turkish National War of Liberation against foreign occupation, led by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk — the founder of the Republic of Türkiye and a global symbol of equality and non-discrimination. This date is celebrated as a national holiday in Türkiye and is a source of pride for Turks around the world.

Greek Invasion Following World War I:

From 1830–1920, Greek insurgents pursued a “Pure Hellenic” agenda (Enosis), often targeting minorities, including Turks. Following World War I, under British directives, the Greek Army landed in Izmir on May 15, 1919, and during its 3.5-year occupation burned hundreds of thousands of homes and killed large numbers of Turkish civilians.

The Yalova-Gemlik Massacres (1920–1921):

Documented by an Inter-Allied Commission of British, French, American, and Italian officers — along with the International Red Cross — systematic atrocities were committed by Greek and Armenian bands, often with regular army support. Reports described the “burning and looting of Turkish villages,” “systematic destruction,” and “extinction of the Muslim population.” (Sources: Gingeras, 2009; Naimark, 2002; Toynbee, The Western Question).

International Recognition of Greek Responsibility:

Article 59 of the Treaty of Lausanne explicitly attributed atrocities and destruction to the Greek army and administration. Full treaty text.

In 1922, six high-ranking Greek officials, including former Prime Minister Dimitrios Gounaris, were convicted of treason, with four executed for their role in the Asia Minor catastrophe. Reference.

A Call for Balance and Responsibility

Petition e-4929 ignores these historically documented facts and instead advances a one-sided narrative designed to vilify Turks. Far from fostering harmony, such petitions fuel division within Canada’s multicultural society.

It is also important to recall that after the devastation of the Great War, Türkiye chose reconciliation — transforming past conflict into friendship, as exemplified by the lasting bond forged with Canadian soldiers at Gallipoli. This spirit of mutual respect and coexistence should continue to guide Canada–Türkiye relations.

Present-Day Realities

While history must be remembered truthfully, it should not be manipulated for political gain. Turkish minorities in northern Greece continue to face harassment, imprisonment, land confiscation, and denial of religious rights — concerns consistently documented by international human rights organizations.

In North America, lobbying by foreign-influenced groups, such as the American Hellenic Council (AHC), often results in defamatory legislation. Petition e-4929 reflects this same agenda, attempting to insert distorted history into Canadian parliamentary debates and even into the education system.

Conclusion

The Federation of Canadian Turkish Associations strongly urges Canadian lawmakers to reject Petition e-4929. It is divisive, historically inaccurate, and undermines the multicultural fabric of Canada. Canada’s Parliament must remain a place for truth, fairness, and unity — not revisionism and foreign-influenced lobbying.