The Canadian Parliament has ratified the United Nations convention outlawing genocide after debate in which the covenant was described as a measure to protect minorities. Lester Pearson, Minister for External Affairs, who asked the House to ratify the convention, said that Canada would thus take a step in the protection of minorities and by proclaiming genocide” a monstrous crime,” would make its commission more difficult.
Socialist spokesman Alistari Stewart supported the genocide resolution but complained that the convention had “no teeth.” All the nations of the world, he said, should be called on to ratify the convention and those who fail “must stand condemned by the world.” Another Socialist, Stanley Knowles, said Canada should not stop with the taking of a stand against racial murder but should also take firm action against discrimination in any form. Two Jewish members of the house. David Croll, of Toronto, and Leon Crestohl of Montreal, also spoke in support of the resolution.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
