And Now for Something Completely Different
Please consider signing and sharing this petition to designate February Canadian Chinese Heritage Month
In addition to the writing and research I do, I am also part of a Canadian organization called “United Against Hate”. One of the aspects of Canadian history I have always felt it is important to emphasize is that this land has been a place of many peoples since time immemorial. Canada was created as a country through the joining of largely Anglo-protestant Ontario and largely French Catholic Quebec. Winnipeg, situated at the forks of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers, been a meeting and trading place for thousands of years. The province of Manitoba was founded in 1970 by an Indigenous leader, Louis Riel, with the support of the people of Red River, who were largely Scottish, French and Métis.
Successive waves of immigration brought people from all over the world.
Winnipeg also the place where, on October 9, 1971, Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau gave his speech recognizing the reality of a multi-cultural Canada as policy. Speaking before the Ukrainian National Congress, he said
“There is no such thing as a model or ideal Canadian. What could be more absurd than the concept of an “all Canadian” boy or girl? A society which emphasizes uniformity is one which creates intolerance and hate.”
In that spirit, if you are one of my Canadian subscribers (or know someone who is Canadian) please consider signing and sharing this petition, to designate February Chinese Canadian Heritage Month in Canada.
https://www.ourcommons.ca/petitions/en/Petition/Sign/e-7523
Here are the details - so you know what you are putting your name to.
Petition to the House of Commons in Parliament assembled
Whereas:
There are over 1.8 million people of Chinese descent in Canada, representing one of the largest and most established communities within the country;
Chinese Canadians have played an essential role in shaping Canada’s social fabric since the 1800s, contributing significantly to major nation-building projects, such as the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway;
Chinese Canadians have experienced a distinct history of systemic exclusion and discrimination, through mechanisms such as the Chinese Head Tax and the Chinese Immigration Act of 1923, which separated families and marginalized entire communities;
Across Canada, Chinese Canadian cultural traditions and celebrations – such as Lunar New Year and the Mid-Autumn Festival, among others – enrich the multicultural fabric of Canadian society and promote cross-cultural understanding;
February is an important period for Chinese communities because of the cultural significance of Lunar New Year, making it a meaningful and appropriate time for recognition;
Asian Heritage Month – while recognizing the diversity of Asian communities in Canada – does not fully capture the unique historical experiences, cultural heritage, and contributions of Chinese Canadians; and
Officially designating a Candian Chinese Heritage Month at a national level would provide an opportunity for education, reflection, and celebration, helping to strengthen inclusion and understanding.
We, the undersigned, Citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons in Parliament assembled to officially designate February as Canadian Chinese Heritage Month in Canada in recognition of the contributions of Chinese Canadians, the hardships that they have faced, and Canada’s constitutional commitment to multiculturalism.
https://www.ourcommons.ca/petitions/en/Petition/Sign/e-7523
Thank you! We will be back to regular programming soon.
Dougald Lamont
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