News and Announcements

EDMONTON –  “Throughout our collective history millions of people around the world have suffered at the hands of totalitarian regimes,” said Honourable Ric McIver, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta. “On Black Ribbon Day we remember the European victims of Stalinism and Nazism, and we remain committed to upholding democracy and the protection of universal human rights and freedoms.”

On Friday, August 22, 2025, at noon, Speaker McIver will host a public ceremony in the Alberta Legislature rotunda in honour of Black Ribbon Day.

Following Speaker McIver’s opening remarks, official remarks will also be delivered by Her Honour, the Honourable Salma Lakhani, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, as well as representatives on behalf of the Premier and Government of Alberta and on behalf of His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition.

Giedrė Naruševičiūtėd, a singer from Lithuania will provide a live musical presentation.

After remarks from several platform guests, Reverend Tomasz Krzesik will deliver an invocation followed by a moment of silence.

The public are welcome to attend in person. The ceremony will also be livestreamed on assembly.ab.ca and on the Legislative Assembly’s Facebook, X and YouTube channels.

Black Ribbon Day is remembered each August. The Molotov-Ribbentrop pact between the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany was signed 86 years ago on August 23, 1939. This led to the occupation of numerous eastern and central European nations and the victimization of millions of people. In 2009 the government of Canada declared August 23 a national day of remembrance. The Legislative Assembly of Alberta is honoured to host this year’s commemoration ceremony on August 22.

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Media Inquiries:
Katelyn Arthurs
Communications Services
Legislative Assembly Office
587.545.4876
katelyn.arthurs@assembly.ab.ca