Minister Joly Hosts Roundtable and Shares Results of Public Consultations on the Memorial to the Victims of Communism: Canada, A Land of Refuge

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - April 22, 2016) - Department of Canadian Heritage

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, held a roundtable today with key stakeholders to share the results of a survey on the planned Memorial to the Victims of Communism - Canada, A Land of Refuge, and to hear their views and insights about the design considerations for the memorial. This final step in the consultation process will be instrumental in moving the project forward.

The online survey, which was available from February 2 to 16, 2016, included questions about the objectives, the visitor experience, the size and scope, and the desired emotional reaction of the memorial. A final open-ended question invited participants to share their thoughts. More than 8,500 Canadians from across the country took part in the survey, providing input on design considerations.

The proposed site for the new monument, just west of the terraces of the Garden of the Provinces and Territories in downtown Ottawa, will be presented to the National Capital Commission's Board of Directors on April 28.

Minister Joly reviewed the survey results and engaged in a productive discussion with municipal leaders; local federal members of Parliament; representatives from Tribute to Liberty and the National Capital Commission; community groups such as the Centretown Citizens Community Association and Heritage Ottawa; and subject matter experts, such as the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada.

Quick Facts

• Over 72 percent of respondents want the memorial to "Remind visitors about core Canadian values of freedom, democracy and human rights," while 36 percent believe it should "recognize the experience of Canadians who emigrated from communist countries."
• In terms of visitor experience, 52 percent feel the memorial should be "A place for reflection and contemplation," followed by 43 percent who see it as "a catalyst that prompts discussion and inspires visitors of all ages to learn more about the past."
• For size and scope, 53 percent prefer "A human-scaled monument set in an intimate environment."
• Results are posted here.

Quotes

"I am very pleased to see that over 8,500 Canadians were engaged and provided input on this project. It is clear that Canadians want the Memorial to the Victims of Communism to recognize our country's international role as a place of refuge for people fleeing injustice and persecution and honour the millions who suffered under communist regimes."

-The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage

"Tribute to Liberty was grateful for the opportunity to articulate the views of Canadian victims of communism, who were the initiators of this project, and to emphasize its national scope and its educational role. We are hopeful that the design of the memorial will meaningfully reflect the difficult experiences faced by victims of communist tyranny that led them to seek and find refuge in Canada."

-Ludwik Klimkowski, Chair, Tribute to Liberty

Associated Links

Memorial to the Victims of Communism

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