Armenian National Committee of Canada

08/20/2026

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.

08/06/2026

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.

07/08/2026

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.

Mélanie Joly Bryan May

07/01/2026

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.

06/29/2026

For 1,000 days, Armenian hostages have been held in a system that has denied basic rights, ignored fair-trial standards, and exposed the failure of the international human rights order to act with urgency.

Their continued captivity is not only a personal tragedy. It is part of Azerbaijan’s broader campaign against Artsakh’s political leadership and against the right of Artsakh Armenians to live freely in their homeland.

Every day of silence enables injustice. Every day without accountability deepens the wound.

We demand the immediate release of all Armenian hostages and prisoners, independent access by international monitors, and accountability for politically motivated detention and sham proceedings.

1,000 days is 1,000 too many.

06/16/2026

Council of Europe Human Rights Commissioner Michael O’Flaherty has called for sustained support and long-term integration measures for Artsakh Armenians displaced to Armenia.

While Armenia’s initial response has included citizenship access, temporary protection, housing aid, rental subsidies, school enrollment, and employment programs, many displaced Artsakh Armenians still face serious barriers to full rights and opportunity.

Challenges remain around citizenship, missing documents, pensions, housing, employment, education, and reduced rental subsidies. The Commissioner also stressed the need for a comprehensive integration strategy developed with the direct participation of Artsakh Armenians themselves.

This is not only a humanitarian issue. It is a matter of dignity, rights, and long-term security. Displaced women and girls must be protected, families must be supported, and Artsakh Armenians must be fully informed and free to make decisions about their future, including their right of return.

Support must move beyond emergency response. Artsakh Armenians deserve stability, meaningful participation, and a future shaped with them, not for them.

06/13/2026

Turkey is neither a reliable partner nor an ally that Canada should be embracing.

As Ottawa moves toward closer strategic and economic ties with Ankara, Canadians must not forget Turkey’s record of regional aggression, democratic backsliding, and its destabilizing role across the South Caucasus, the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East. The 2020 diversion of Canadian WESCAM technology to Azerbaijan during the war against Artsakh remains a clear example of how Canada’s trust was abused and Canadian exports were used in a conflict that resulted in devastating humanitarian consequences.

Expanding relations with Turkey without accountability sends the wrong message and ignores years of conduct that runs contrary to Canadian values and interests. Canada should not deepen cooperation with a government that continues to undermine regional stability and embolden authoritarian policies.

The Armenian National Committee of Canada calls on Ottawa to reject any further expansion of strategic or defence cooperation with Turkey and to ensure that Canada’s partnerships are built on accountability, respect for human rights and a genuine commitment to peace and international law.

05/28/2026

05/12/2026

The Armenian National Committee of Canada (ANCC) expresses serious concern regarding remarks made by Canada’s Secretary of State for Defence Procurement, Stephen Fuhr CD, describing Turkey as a “trusted partner” and “valuable ally” amid discussions of expanded Canada–Turkey defense cooperation.

Past experience has clearly demonstrated otherwise. In 2020, Turkey illegally diverted Canadian-manufactured drone avionics to Azerbaijan during the Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) war, contributing to the deaths of innocent civilians and devastating consequences for the Armenian people.

In light of this record, any renewed military-industrial cooperation with Turkey raises profound ethical, security, and accountability concerns.

The ANCC strongly opposes these developments and will continue to monitor them closely.

05/08/2026

Canada’s 2026 Census: Identify as Armenian
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Canada’s 2026 national census began on May 4, and Canadians have until May 12 to complete their census questionnaire online.

Accurate participation helps ensure that Armenian Canadians are properly represented in demographic data used by governments, institutions, and community organizations for planning and services.

Short-Form Census:

All households will receive the short-form census, which includes questions about languages spoken.
This is where you can indicate Armenian as one of your languages.

Long-Form Census:

1 in 4 households will receive the long-form census, which also includes:
Question 23: Ethnicity
Question 30: Religion
Here you may identify as Armenian.

Take Part:

Completing the census is a simple but important way to help ensure that Canada’s Armenian community is accurately counted and represented.
Please complete your census before the May 12 deadline and encourage family and friends to do the same.