About Asian Heritage Month

May is Asian Heritage Month in Canada. It is a time to reflect on and recognize the many contributions that people of Asian origin have made and continue to make to Canada.

Asian Heritage Month has been celebrated since the 1990s in Canada. In December 2001, the Senate adopted a motion proposed by Senator Vivienne Poy to officially designate May as Asian Heritage Month in Canada. In May 2002, the Government of Canada signed the following official declaration to announce May as Asian Heritage Month.

Official declaration of Asian Heritage Month

Diversity represents one of Canada’s greatest strengths, and we strive to ensure that all people in Canada have the opportunity to reach their full potential and participate in Canada’s civic life.

Over the last two centuries, immigrants have journeyed to Canada from East Asia, Southern Asia, Western, Central and Southeast Asia, bringing our society a rich cultural heritage representing many languages, ethnicities and religious traditions.

The people of these diverse, vibrant and growing communities have contributed to every aspect of life in Canada — from the arts and science to sport, business and government.

Asian Heritage Month offers everyone in Canada an opportunity to learn more about the history of people of Asian origin in Canada and to celebrate their contributions to the growth and prosperity of our society.

Thereby, we declare May as Asian Heritage Month in Canada.