Ottawa, June 16, 2011 – The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, today issued the following statement recognizing Jamaican Diaspora Day:
“Jamaican Diaspora Day is observed annually on June 16 by Jamaican communities in Canada and around the world in recognition of the significant contribution of Jamaicans abroad to Jamaica’s economic and social development.
“Since it was first proclaimed in 2004, Jamaican Diaspora Day has provided Jamaicans abroad with an opportunity to strengthen their relationship with their homeland and to celebrate the country’s national motto – ‘Out of many, one people.’
“For Canadians, Jamaican Diaspora Day provides an excellent opportunity for all of us to recognize the important contributions the more than 230,000 strong Jamaican-Canadian community has made to this country’s rich and diverse heritage.
“This week many Jamaican-Canadians are attending the Jamaican Diaspora Conference in Ochos Rios, Jamaica. I hope one of the outcomes of the conference will be to strengthen the already close ties between Canada and Jamaica.
“As Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, I extend my best wishes for a very happy Jamaican Diaspora Day to all members of the Jamaican-Canadian community and to Jamaicans everywhere.”
For further information (media only), please contact:
Candice Malcolm
Minister’s Office
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-1650
CIC-Media-Relations@cic.gc.ca