Minister of Social Development and Minister Responsible for Multiculturalism Harry Bloy released the following statement in celebration of Canadian Multiculturalism Day.

"Today is Canadian Multiculturalism Day, a wonderful opportunity to celebrate British Columbia's diverse people and communities.

"British Columbia is one of the world's most culturally diverse regions. Our province is a rich fabric woven of the threads of many different cultures from over 180 countries around the world. This includes more than 200,000 Aboriginal people who have their own languages and cultures.

"Since 2002, the Government of Canada has proclaimed June 27 as Canadian Multiculturalism Day, 'an opportunity to celebrate our diversity and our commitment to democracy, equality and mutual respect, and to appreciate the contributions of the various multicultural groups and communities to Canadian society.'

"The contributions of immigrants - combined with the achievements of our First Nations and unique Aboriginal heritage - have helped make B.C. one of the most multicultural societies anywhere on earth. In fact, we have almost all cultural, religious and linguistic communities represented here.

"British Columbia's culturally diverse communities will benefit from our government's Families First focus, which aims to create wealth through new businesses and job creation, empower people, modernize our approach to healthy families and build safer communities for everyone.

"Our government will continue to work on creating a society where there are no barriers to the full and free participation of all citizens in the economic, social, cultural and political life of our province.

"I am proud to be Canadian, and even prouder to live here in British Columbia, where we can learn so much about other cultures just by talking to our neighbours. Multiculturalism is an important and growing part of our provincial identity, and it is vital to recognize, honour and celebrate it like we are today."

Contact:

David Haslam
Communications Manager
Ministry of Social Development
250 356-1670