Ottawa, June 14, 2013 — The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, issued the following statement celebrating this coming Sunday’s Jamaican Diaspora Day:
“Jamaican Diaspora Day, which was first proclaimed by the Governor General of Jamaica in 2005, is an annual occasion to recognize people of Jamaican descent living around the world, to honour their proud connection to their country of origin, and to celebrate their contributions to the countries in which they now reside.
“Along with the United States and the UK, Canada is home to one of the three largest Jamaican Diaspora communities in the world. Immigration from Jamaica to Canada began more than two centuries ago. Over many years, members of the Jamaican-Canadian community have helped to shape our country’s history, and have played prominent roles in Canada’s economic, social, political, cultural and athletic life.
“Jamaican Diaspora Day is also a great opportunity to celebrate the many bonds of family, friendship and co-operation between Canadians and Jamaicans, in which Canadians of Jamaican descent play a vital role. Our two countries share many important historical and cultural ties. Not only are we both members of the Commonwealth of Nations, but we are also two of only 16 countries in the world for which Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II serves as Head of State.
“As Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, I join with other Canadians in honouring the Jamaican-Canadian community, and I send my best wishes to everyone around the world celebrating Jamaican Diaspora Day.”
For further information (media only), please contact:
Alexis Pavlich
Minister’s Office
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-954-1064
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-1650
CIC-Media-Relations@cic.gc.ca
Building a stronger Canada: Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) strengthens Canada’s economic, social and cultural prosperity, helping ensure Canadian safety and security while managing one of the largest and most generous immigration programs in the world.
