Thursday April 28 2022
Asian Heritage Month provides us all with an opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the contributions of Asian Canadians to the growth and prosperity of our country.
This year marks 20 years since the Government of Canada signed an official declaration to designate May as Asian Heritage Month.
This declaration was made after the Senate of Canada adopted a motion tabled by the Honourable Dr. Vivienne Poy, the first Canadian Senator of Asian descent, to designate May as Asian Heritage Month.
In 2001, May was also declared South Asian Heritage Month in Ontario, further recognizing the value of the Asian diaspora to our society.
Almost half of the immigrant population in Canada was born in Asia. In 2016, just over 48 percent of all immigrants were born in Asia, and it has remained the top continent for immigrants in recent years. From 2017 to 2019, 63.5 percent of newcomers to Canada were born in Asia.
The history of Asian Canadians has too frequently been marred by exploitation and lack of access to basic human rights, such as the treatment of Chinese railway workers, the internment of Japanese Canadians during the Second World War, the denied entry of Indian immigrants from the SS Komagata Maru, and the systemic racism still directed against Asian workers and people, which has grown during the pandemic.
A recent report by the Chinese Canadian National Council Toronto Chapter shows incidents of anti-Asian racism in Canada are increasing. Now is not the time to be quiet.
Violence and racism are unacceptable, and we must speak out when it occurs. Raising awareness of these struggles and learning from the lived experiences of the Asian community is an important part in overcoming anti-Asian hate.
Asian culture is beautiful and incredibly diverse. By participating in the numerous events and activities throughout Asian Heritage Month, we all have an opportunity to learn about different Asian cultures and the history of Asian people.
Let’s actively listen to the stories from our Asian sisters, brothers and comrades because they are a vital part of our history, present and future.
In honour of Asian Heritage Month, CUPW created a poster to highlight the strength, beauty and perseverance of our workers of Asian descent. We stand in solidarity with Asian workers and proudly celebrate Asian Heritage Month.
In solidarity,
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