Ottawa, May 24, 2011 — The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, issued the following statement for Asian Heritage Month:
“Today, I am honoured to attend an event organized by Ottawa’s Vietnamese community celebrating Asian Heritage Month.
“Celebrated every May, Asian Heritage Month is a time to honour the long and rich history of Asian communities in Canada, and a chance for Canadians across the country to reflect on and celebrate the contributions of Asian Canadians to the growth and prosperity of Canada.
“Numerous organizations throughout Canada have hosted activities to celebrate Asian Heritage Month. These activities help us learn more about the achievements of Asian Canadian communities, and help us better understand the vital role these communities have played and continue to play in the building of our country.
“As Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, I invite everyone to celebrate the contributions of Canadians of Asian origin to the building of our country.
“Asian Heritage Month was first celebrated in May 2002. According to the 2006 Statistics Canada Census, more than three million people in Canada self-identify as being of Asian heritage.
For more information on Asian Heritage Month and the events that will be happening across the country, visit the website.”
For further information (media only), please contact:
Celyeste Power
Minister’s Office
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-1650
CIC-Media-Relations@cic.gc.ca
