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“We do not tolerate antisemitism of any form, at any time, or in any place and are deeply concerned about new and resurgent forms of antisemitism and discrimination worldwide, rooted in a misguided belief that diversity is a threat,” she added.

Every country must come to grips with difficult periods in its past

The Canadian Forces has 540 soldiers in Latvia and leads a NATO battlegroup there. They have been in Latvia since mid-2017 and the Liberal government says they will remain there until 2023. Mills said Canada’s close relationship with the country includes discussions on the development of an “inclusive Latvia.”

“Every country must come to grips with difficult periods in its past,” she added.

Hitler ordered the creation of the Latvian SS divisions in 1943, with the initial core of the force made up of members of Latvian units such as the Arajs Kommando, which participated in the murder of 26,000 Jews. Other Latvians were conscripted to join the force.

Photo by ILMARS ZNOTINS/AFP/Getty Images

Some members of the Latvian SS Division were among the last hold-outs of Hitler’s regime, defending parts of Berlin during the final days of fighting in the Second World War.

The Latvian government has defended the parade, saying that “16 March is not an official remembrance day, and people, on their own private initiative, pay their respects to the fallen soldiers.”

The Latvian government also has on its website a 14-page document that argues Russian “disinformation” is behind efforts to paint the gathering in an unfavourable light.