Statement by Minister Joly and Minister Hussen on Journey to Freedom Day

OTTAWA, April 30, 2018

In 2015, April 30 was designated Journey to Freedom Day: a day to commemorate Vietnamese refugees’ journey to Canada after the fall of Saigon in 1975 and the end of the Vietnam War.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Canada admitted tens of thousands of Vietnamese refugees, many with the support of families, churches and community groups across the country. It was one of the largest and most significant influxes of refugees and humanitarian efforts Canada had ever seen. It also marked the creation of Canada’s private refugee sponsorship model, which is hailed as a model around the world.

Journey to Freedom Day is an opportunity to remember the Vietnamese “boat people” and the courage they showed, as well as Canada’s efforts to welcome so many of them.

As Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Multiculturalism, and Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, we encourage all Canadians to take advantage of Journey to Freedom Day to learn more about their fellow citizens of Vietnamese heritage and their contribution to our society. Together, let’s celebrate a Canada made stronger by its diversity, generosity and welcoming spirit.

For more information (media only), please contact:

Simon Ross
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
819-997-7788

Mathieu Genest
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
819-639-3686