Statement by the Prime Minister and other leaders on Canadian Multiculturalism Day

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Canadian Multiculturalism Day:

“Today, on Canadian Multiculturalism Day, I join people from coast to coast to coast to celebrate one of our country’s greatest strengths – our diversity. Cultural communities have always been integral to the fabric of Canada, and Canadians celebrate their diverse cultural heritage and identity with great pride.

“Our multiculturalism makes us who we are as Canadians, and many cultural communities have a long history of contributing to our country. As Canadians and partners, we acknowledge that First Nations, Inuit, and Métis have called these lands home for millennia.

“Canada’s proud and longstanding tradition of welcoming people from around the world with open arms continues to shape our country today. Last year, the Government of Canada welcomed over 405,000 new permanent residents into the country, the largest number of newcomers to Canada in a single year, surpassing the previous record from 1913. Canada was also the global leader in resettling refugees in 2021, helping them establish roots and start a new life here. All across the country, newcomers start businesses in their communities, volunteer to help those who need it, and contribute fully to our local economies. Canada is better for it.

“The government is building on Canada’s global reputation as an open and compassionate society. While we have much to celebrate, many Canadians still face systemic barriers and discrimination based on the colour of their skin, their background, or their faith, and we recognize there is still more work to do to achieve a truly equitable country. Through the Community Support, Multiculturalism, and Anti-Racism Initiatives Program, a renewed Anti-Racism Strategy, and a new National Action Plan on Combatting Hate, we are improving our understanding of the challenges faced by Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized and religious minority communities and driving action to make Canada more inclusive for everyone.

“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I invite everyone to participate in Canadian Multiculturalism Day by taking part in activities and events across the country. Today and every day, let us celebrate the differences that make Canada one of the best places in the world to live.”

Source: Statement by the Prime Minister on Canadian Multiculturalism Day

NDP Leader Singh statement:

Jagmeet Singh, Leader of Canada’s NDP, issued the following statement:

“The celebration of multiculturalism in Canada is a pillar of our society that make this country truly welcoming – it’s a part of who we are and informs much of what we believe in.

The cohesion and coexistence of many cultures and traditions have made Canada into a vibrant and beautiful place to live, raise a family or start a business.

We must never take this diversity for granted – and we must also recognize that Canada hasn’t always been welcoming or inclusive to everybody, with many of these injustices continuing today.

From the treatment of Japanese Canadians during the second world war, or the Komagata Maru incident, to the systemic oppression faced by black and indigenous peoples in Canada’s criminal justice system today, we know that much more work needs to be done.

That is why we must recommit ourselves to challenging intolerance, discrimination and racism. We must acknowledge that these ills exist throughout society and do everything we can eliminate them.

It’s is our responsibility to put action behind our values of equality, inclusivity and compassion.

On behalf of all New Democrats on Multiculturalism Day, let us celebrate the many cultures that make us the vibrant and open country we all love, and recommit ourselves to protecting these values at all cost.”

Source: https://www.ndp.ca/news/ndp-statement-canadian-multiculturalism-day-2018

At time of writing, no statement from the Conservatives (the last one dates from 2020 under Andrew Scheer).

However, they did issue a statement for the Quebec’s Fête nationale (Saint-Jean Baptiste):

“Every year, on June 24, the pride of being a Quebecer goes up a notch. The National Holiday is a passionate, unifying and colourful celebration of Quebec. From Abitibi to Gaspésie, through Mauricie and Estrie, this pride is celebrated in many ways. Singers and musicians sing patriotic songs, and even farmers and breeders have creatively worked to reinvent themselves to promote Quebec products.

“This year, Quebecers have shown their courage and fighting spirit! You have shown that you are part of a nation that knows how to roll up its sleeves and meet unexpected challenges. You have shown solidarity with your family and friends, but also with entrepreneurs, restaurant owners and health care workers. Yes, the last two years have been difficult, but you never gave up! As always, the people of Quebec have been resilient, and have shown incredible tenacity through the ups and downs of the pandemic.

“For over 400 years, you have been persistent in defending yourselves. Your fight to protect your language and culture is a perfect example. In Quebec, it is important to be able to work, communicate and be served in French. I want you to know that the Conservative Party of Canada will fight every battle to protect French. 

On behalf of the Conservative Party of Canada, and the Conservative team in Quebec, I would like to wish you a Happy National Holiday.’’

Source: Statement by Conservative Leader Candice Bergen on Quebec’s National Holiday