Harper Government Recognizes Vancouver’s Chinatown as National Historical Site of Canada
Vancouver, British Columbia, October 13, 2011 -- The Honourable Peter Kent, Canada’s Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, the Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, and Wai Young, Member of Parliament for Vancouver South, today announced the addition of Vancouver’s Chinatown to Canada’s family of national historic sites on the recommendation of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada.
"Inscribing Vancouver's Chinatown in our national history is a testament to the contribution the Chinese-Canadian community has made to our past, our present and our future,” said Minister Kent. “Our government is proud to honour Vancouver’s Chinatown.”
“Today’s designation of Vancouver’s Chinatown recognizes the significant contribution the Chinese community in Vancouver has made to the history of Canada,” said Minister Kenney. “It is important that we sustain and recognize the culture and traditions that make Canada such a rich and diverse place.”
“This is a tremendous honour for Vancouver’s Chinese-Canadian community,” said local M.P. Wai Young. “Vancouver’s Chinatown is a top tourist destination, and we are very pleased to have this tremendous honour bestowed upon our City.”
Vancouver’s Chinatown was recognized as one of the oldest and largest Chinatowns in the country and it has remained the vibrant centre of an evolving and enduring culture expressed through a distinctive urban and cultural landscape.
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Information:
Office of the Minister of the Environment
819-997-1441
Media Relations
Parks Canada
819-953-8371
