NCCT Thanks Toronto City Council for Historic Motion to Build Tamil Genocide Monument in Scarborough
The National Council of Canadian Tamils celebrates a groundbreaking unanimous decision by Toronto City Council to establish a Tamil Genocide Monument in Scarborough. This momentous step marks significant progress in the Tamil community's long journey toward international recognition and justice.
A Historic Moment of Recognition
On May 22, 2025, Toronto City Council unanimously passed a motion introduced by Councillor Parthi Kandavel and seconded by Councillor Josh Matlow to work in partnership with the Tamil Canadian community to build a Tamil Genocide Monument in Scarborough, Ontario. The National Council of Canadian Tamils extends its deepest gratitude to Councillor Kandavel and the entire City of Toronto for this historic decision.
This momentous decision marks a significant step in the Tamil people's long resilient journey in seeking international recognition, international accountability and remedial justice for the genocide being committed against Tamil people by the Sri Lankan state.
A Place of Memory and Education
The Tamil Genocide Monument will serve as more than a memorial—it will be a gathering place for the Tamil Canadian community to commemorate and memorialize the Tamil Genocide. Perhaps more importantly, it will provide a space to share painful traumatic experiences and educate fellow Canadians about the Tamil Genocide.
"Councillor Parthi Kandavel's leadership has helped bring truth to light, and we thank him and all members of City Council for standing with us. The Tamil Genocide Monument will be a powerful symbol of the city's commitment to human rights, inclusion, and justice."
Following in the Footsteps of Progress
The motion follows precedents set by other levels of government in recognizing the Tamil Genocide. The Government of Ontario passed Bill 104 proclaiming the seven-day period ending on May 18th as Tamil Genocide Education Week, while the Government of Canada has named May 18th as Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day. The City of Brampton recently unveiled their Tamil Genocide Monument in their main downtown park.
Toronto is home to a vibrant, thriving Tamil community located primarily in the Scarborough area. This motion seeks to follow in the footsteps of other levels of government and jurisdictions by recognizing the Tamil Genocide through a permanent memorial.
Moving Forward with Experience and Commitment
The motion requests City Staff to consult with the National Council of Canadian Tamils to identify a potential site in a City of Toronto Park in Scarborough to host a Tamil Genocide Monument. With their experience and commitment having successfully built the Tamil Genocide Monument in Brampton, the NCCT is prepared to assist Councillor Parthi Kandavel and the City of Toronto in constructing a Tamil Genocide Monument in Scarborough.
The formal recommendation directs City Council to request the General Manager of Economic Development and Culture, in consultation with the General Manager of Parks and Recreation, to work with Tamil community organizations that have significant experience with building community monuments. The motion specifically references the recent City of Brampton Tamil Genocide Monument as a model, with plans to identify a potential site under the provisions of the City's Public Art and Monument Donations Policy and report to the Scarborough Community Council in the fourth quarter of 2025.
A Symbol of Hope and Justice
The motion was deemed urgent by the Chair to honor the recently passed May 18th—recognized by the Government of Canada as Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day and the conclusion of Tamil Genocide Education Week by the Government of Ontario. This timing underscores the significance of maintaining momentum in the recognition of Tamil suffering and the ongoing quest for justice.
As the NCCT stated in their official response: "Thank you," a simple expression that carries the weight of decades of advocacy and the hope of a community finally seeing their pain acknowledged and their story preserved for future generations.