Ottawa, June 16, 2015 – The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister for Multiculturalism, issued the following statement on Jamaican Diaspora Day:
“Jamaican Diaspora Day was designated by the Governor General of Jamaica as a day for celebrating the achievements of people of Jamaican descent around the world.
“Canada is home to one of the largest Jamaican Diaspora communities in the world, alongside the United States and the United Kingdom. Today gives all Canadians an opportunity to learn about Jamaican culture in Canada and the significant accomplishments of Canadians of Jamaican descent.
“This includes individuals like Robert Sutherland, who was born in Jamaica in 1830 and, upon settling in Canada, became the first person of colour to graduate from a Canadian university as well as the first black lawyer in Canada. Lincoln Alexander, Canada’s first black Member of Parliament and first black person to hold a vice-regal appointment in Canada when he became Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario, also had family ties to Jamaica. In 2014, the Government of Canada was proud to designate January 21 as Lincoln Alexander Day in his honour.
“There are many more Canadians of Jamaican descent who have and continue to contribute to all sectors of Canadian life, from business to sports to the arts. As Minister for Multiculturalism, I urge all Canadians to learn more about the vibrant Jamaican Diaspora in Canada and to take part in celebrations in their communities.”
For further information (media only), please contact:
Lauren Armstrong
Minister’s Office
613-996-3100
lauren.armstrong2@forces.gc.ca
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-1650
CIC-Media-Relations@cic.gc.ca
