News and Announcements

EDMONTON – On Friday, August 21, 2026, at noon, the Legislative Assembly of Alberta will host a public ceremony in recognition of Black Ribbon Day.

“On Black Ribbon Day, we remember the lives shattered by the brutality of Stalinism and Nazism. We honour the victims by reaffirming our commitment the protection of the rights and freedoms that these regimes sought to destroy,” said Member Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk.

Hosting on behalf of Speaker McIver, MLA Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk will provide opening remarks. Official remarks will also be delivered by MLA Brandon Lunty, speaking on behalf of the Premier and government of Alberta, and MLA Lorne Dach on behalf of His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition.

Black Ribbon Day is remembered each August. The Molotov-Ribbentrop pact was an arrangement between the Soviet Union and Germany agreeing not to attack each other which allowed Germany to invade Poland without fearing Soviet opposition. The pact was signed on August 23, 1939. Poland was invaded on September 1, 1939, triggering the start of the Second World War. 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 21.

The public are invited to attend in person and use the Legislature Building’s ground-level west entrance. On-site parking is limited.

The event will be live streamed at assembly.ab.ca and on the Legislative Assembly’s Facebook, X and YouTube channels.

- 30 -

Media Inquiries:
Paige Van Brabant, Communications and Digital Media Assistant
Legislative Assembly Office
laocommunications@assembly.ab.ca
587.339.3531