Canadian MPs defend Poland over 'Polish concentration camp' slur

MPs there discussed the matter in parliament, marking the first time that the issue has been covered abroad during a parliamentary session.

The speeches followed an article – now modified – which appeared in Canada's Globe and Mail daily on 23 September, citing “Polish concentration camps.”

The Polish Foreign Ministry, together with US's Kosciuszko Foundation is leading an ongoing campaign against such historical errors, pointing out that the camps were created by Nazi Germany and its allies.

This has resulted in several newspapers, among them the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal, modifying their editorial guidelines.

Following the Globe and Mail article, Canadian MP Ted Opitz, from the ruling conservative party, said in parliament that “it is important for Canadians to be aware of this distinction,” and that he hoped “that journalists will take this matter seriously.”

This prompted Minister of Citizenship Jason Kenney to add that Opitz was “absolutely right that it is offensive to the memory of so many Poles who fought the Nazi occupation and who have been declared Righteous Among the Gentiles [those who aided Jews]. (nh/pg)


Source: Rzeczpospolita, Openparliament.ca