Frequently Asked Questions
Amid circulating misinformation about Tamil Fest 2024, we invite you to access accurate details here.
Q: Is the Canadian Tamil Congress (CTC) Affiliated with the Sri-Lankan Government
A: No, the CTC has consistently advocated for holding the Sri Lankan government accountable for its injustices against the Tamil community. Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation circulating about CTC’s relationship with the Sri Lankan government. There has been no association or collaboration between CTC and the Sri Lankan government.
Q: Has the Canadian Tamil Congress (CTC) opposed the Genocide Memorial in the City of Brampton?
A: No, the Canadian Tamil Congress (CTC) has supported the Genocide Memorial in the City of Brampton. CTC has consistently stood with initiatives that raise awareness about the atrocities committed against the Tamil people. In line with its commitment to justice and remembrance, CTC has been actively involved in supporting the memorial and has contributed to these efforts during previous Tamil Fest events by providing them a free booth and prime time stage time. CTC also sent a supporting letter for this initiative urging Tamil Canadians to support this historic monument.
Q: Does the Canadian Tamil Congress (CTC) recognize the Tamil Genocide?
A: Yes, CTC recognizes the genocide that has impacted the Tamil people since 1948. While CTC initially refrained from using the term "genocide" in its advocacy work based on advice from international human rights experts, it has always believed that the atrocities committed against the Tamil people by successive Sri Lankan governments were indeed genocide. CTC continues to urge the Canadian government to officially recognize these actions as genocide and seek justice for those affected. CTC has also sent a letter to the Province of Ontario after the introduction of the Tamil Genocide Education Week to thank them for their recognition and to affirm CTC’s support of this initiative.
Q: Has the Canadian Tamil Congress (CTC) apologized for the photo with Mahinda Rajapaksa?
A: Yes, CTC issued a press release in December 2023, apologizing for any hurt feelings caused. We recognize and wholeheartedly apologize to the community that the hurt and harm caused by this photo. CTC’s Board is committed to listening and correcting itself and doing things better. We are listening to the community and are in the process of a public consultation currently to help improve the value we add to the community. Since then, CTC has withdrawn its support from the Global Tamil Forum (GTF) and, consequently, its support for the Himalayan Declaration.