Niki Sharma, Attorney General, has released the following statement in celebration of Filipino Heritage Month:

“This June, British Columbia joins the country in marking Filipino Heritage Month, an occasion to recognize the deep history, rich culture and far-reaching contributions of Filipino communities across our province.

“Filipino history in British Columbia stretches back to the 1880s, with the earliest settlers establishing small communities on Bowen Island and in New Westminster. That was the foundation of what is today a community of more than 174,000 people, making B.C.  home to the second-largest Filipino population in Canada and one of the fastest-growing.

“Filipino British Columbians have shaped almost every part of this province’s life, from health care and child care to the trades, business, technology and the arts. Their presence is especially strong on the front lines of care, where Filipino workers help keep our hospitals, long-term care homes and child care centres running.

“We also recognize the strength and resilience the Filipino community has shown over the past year in the face of tragedy, continuing to come together in support and care for one another.

“We know the community is seeking to build the cultural infrastructure it needs. We are committed to working alongside Filipino Canadian organizations to support a provincial Filipino cultural centre, informed by broad provincial engagement that centres the voices and aspirations of the Filipino community throughout the province.”

“This Filipino Heritage Month, I encourage all British Columbians to learn about Filipino culture, support Filipino-owned businesses and community organizations, and celebrate alongside Filipino neighbours, colleagues and friends. In doing so, we honour the bayanihan, the strength in unity, that defines the Filipino community and enriches all of British Columbia.”

Learn More:

• Learn about B.C.’s International Credentials Recognition Act and the supports available to internationally trained professionals: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/post-secondary-education/international-credentials
• Access the toll-free Racist Incident Helpline here: https://racistincidenthelpline.ca