Parthenon Elgin Marbles at British Museum. Photo by TxllxT, CC BY-SA 4.0

The motion was introduced by Greek Canadian MP Niki Ashton and supported by MP Emmanuella Lambropoulos, MP Peter Frangiskatos and MP Annie Koutrakis. It received support from Liberal, Bloc Québécois, New Democratic and Green Party MP’s but did not receive the unanimous support required to pass. 

“Today we sent a clear message from Canada congratulating Greece on the 200th anniversary of independence and calling for the return of the Parthenon Marbles.”said Niki Ashton.   

The introduction of the resolution was welcomed by the President of the Canadian Committee for the Restitution of the Parthenon Marbles Steve Ashton. “The Greeks have given much to the world. It is time to give something back. Let’s return the Parthenon Marbles to Greece where they belong. 

Niki Ashton said that the fight to have the Parthenon Marbles returned to Greece will continue. “I am disappointed the resolution did not pass today. But we are on the right side of history and we will prevail.”  

“I fully support the motion calling for the Marbles to be returned to their rightful place and I will move a similar motion in the Senate of Canada at the first opportunity to do so.” – Conservative Senator Leo Housakos 

“I am disappointed that the motion did not get unanimous consent in the House of Commons.  It took Greece 400 years to regain its independence and if it takes another few attempts, we will continue the struggle.  The United Kingdom should respect the historical and cultural significance to Greece, our common ally and close friend, and negotiate the return of the marbles to their rightful owners, the people of Greece.” – MP Annie Koutrakis 

“What a perfect occasion the Bicentennial is for the Parthenon Marbles to be returned to Athens, where they belong. Being taken from the Parthenon in 1801-1802, when Greece was under Ottoman occupation, this year presents a symbolic opportunity to return such a significant part of Greek history to its rightful place. In a joint effort, we ask that the United Kingdom and the British Museum in London do the right thing and recognize that these historical artifacts belong to and should be returned to the people of Greece.”  –  MP Emmanuella Lambropoulos  

“The Parthenon Marbles are an essential part of Greece’s ancient and cultural history. We come together to ask that they be returned, an outcome that has long been called for by Greek citizens and the wider diaspora.”- MP Peter Fragiskatos