Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills
Minister of State for Multiculturalism
Nov. 10, 2011
British Columbia is made up of cultures from more than 180 countries around the globe.
B.C.'s rich tradition of multiculturalism began before Europeans and other cultures arrived, with First Nations whose diverse languages and cultures were the first example of multiculturalism.
In fact, one-quarter of the people in B.C. are self-identified visible minorities, making our province the most ethnically diverse in Canada.
Every British Columbian has their own reason for making B.C. their home and those reasons are as varied as the cultural influences that make up our province.
Whether it's family connections, business opportunities, or simply the natural beauty of our province, nearly 40,000 new immigrants make B.C. their home every year.
As Minister of State for Multiculturalism, I encourage all British Columbians to celebrate our diversity at every opportunity and it gives me great pleasure to recognize November 13 - 19 as Multiculturalism Week in B.C.
Now celebrating its ninth year in B.C., Multiculturalism Week acknowledges the contributions of the diverse cultural heritages of British Columbians.
As part of our celebrations this week, the Province will announce the winners of the Provincial Nesika Awards, which celebrate people and organizations whose exceptional work is helping to strengthen families and communities by respecting and embracing B.C.'s diverse cultures.
Putting families first is the driving force for our government. That's why this year; Multiculturalism Week takes on new significance as the government implements the new BC Jobs Plan - Canada Starts Here.
Having a secure, good-paying job allows every British Columbian the opportunity to work hard and provide for their families.
The BC Jobs Plan will provide those opportunities by recognizing and celebrating our multicultural and multilingual society as one of our strengths and promoting it abroad.
Premier Christy Clark recently departed on a jobs and trade mission to China and India to strengthen relationships, expand our provinces economic partnerships and bring jobs back to B.C.
Multiculturalism strengthens our province and puts us on the map as a society that values inclusion and cultural diversity - something every British Columbian should be proud of. It also enhances our prosperity.
This week is the perfect opportunity to enjoy what B.C. has to offer. I encourage you to be open to the richness of cultural diversity in your communities and discover how multiculturalism is building a way of life in British Columbia.
Contact:
Brian Bonney
Communications Director, Multiculturalism
604 775-1153
Cell: 604 306-4735
