OTTAWA, May 1, 2024
Happy Asian Heritage Month Canada!
Asian Heritage Month is an opportunity for us to learn more about the diverse culture and history of Asian communities in Canada, as well as to acknowledge the many achievements and contributions of people of Asian origin who, throughout our history, have done so much to make Canada the country we know and love.
The theme for Asian Heritage Month 2024 is “Preserving the Past, Embracing the Future: Amplifying Asian Canadian Legacy”. This theme celebrates the rich heritage and contributions of people of Asian origin in Canada while also looking forward to the future with optimism and hopefulness. We are acknowledging the voices, stories, and achievements of people of Asian origin in Canada and recognizing their contributions to all aspects of our society, including the arts, sports and social justice.
Minister Kamal Khera addressed the statement as below:
In total, about 20 percent of Canadians can trace their ancestry back to more than 50 different countries in Asia.
For more than 200 years, Asian Canadians have helped make Canada the country we know and love today. In the arts, sports, sciences, business, politics and social justice, the contributions of Asian Canadians can be found everywhere in Canadian society.
Unfortunately, Asian communities still face challenges in Canada, including systemic barriers, racism and discrimination.
To address this, our government has invested more than $260 million since 2018-19 in two Canadian strategies to combat systemic racism and discrimination as well as in Canada’s first Action Plan on Combatting Hate.
As we continue our work, Budget 2024 proposes to provide $273.6 million over six years, starting in 2024-25, with $29.3 million ongoing, for the Action Plan to support community outreach and law enforcement reform, tackle the rise in hate crimes, enhance community security, counter radicalization, and increase support for victims.
Throughout May, I want to encourage all Canadians to come together in celebrating Asian Heritage Month by learning more about Asian cultures in all their diversity.
Happy Asian Heritage Month.
