The Canadian success story isn’t a single narrative — it’s a mosaic, vast and varied, with each individual contribution adding unique strength to the whole. Diversity isn’t just a Canadian value; it’s our everyday reality.
May offers a powerful opportunity to reflect on this as we mark Asian Heritage Month and Canadian Jewish Heritage Month — a time to honour the many ways these communities have shaped, and continue to shape, the story of Canada.
Honouring Asian Canadian Heritage – An Enduring Legacy
Asian Canadians have a long legacy that is deeply woven into the fabric of Canadian history. The first large Wave of Asians came to Canada in the mid-1800s, with Chinese labourers arriving to work on the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway — a nation-building project that connected the country from coast to coast. Despite facing discrimination, exclusionary immigration policies, and limited rights, Asian Canadians persisted, building communities, businesses, and institutions that have enriched every corner of the country.
Over time, Canada became home to diverse Asian communities — including South Asian, Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Southeast Asian peoples — each bringing with them distinct cultures, traditions, and invaluable contributions to Canadian society.
Today, Asian Canadians make up nearly 20% of the population and are leaders in every sector: from arts and science to business, education, politics, and beyond.
Their stories of resilience, excellence, are a testament to the enduring idea that Canada is strongest when we value our differences. May was officially recognized as Asian Heritage Month in 2002.
Celebrating Jewish Canadians: A History of Contributing and Community
Jewish Canadians have also played a vital role in shaping Canada’s social, cultural, and political landscape. Jewish immigration to Canada began in the 1700s, but it wasn’t until the late 19th and early 20th centuries that larger waves of Jewish families arrived, many fleeing persecution and seeking safety and opportunity. Despite facing widespread antisemitism, social exclusion, and discriminatory quotas, Jewish Canadians built vibrant communities that helped lay the foundation for a Canada where everyone has an opportunity to thrive. Today, Canada’s Jewish population of over 335,000 is the fourth largest in the world.
From championing human rights and social justice to making groundbreaking contributions in every industry, from science and technology, to business, and the arts, Jewish Canadians continue to enrich the Canadian cultural and social fabric. As we celebrate Canadian Jewish Heritage Month, we honour not only the history of perseverance and community-building, but also the continued leadership and creativity Jewish Canadians bring to Canada’s evolving story. The first official Canadian Jewish Heritage Month was recognized in 2018.
Honouring History, Protecting the Future
As we celebrate Asian Heritage Month and Canadian Jewish Heritage Month, we not only honour these rich legacies but also reaffirm our shared responsibility to build a Canada where everyone can belong, contribute, and thrive. We are reminded that Canada’s strength lies in its diversity — not just as an ideal, but as a lived reality shaped by the many stories that make up our collective story.
Celebrating these stories is more than a reflection of the past; it is a commitment to a future where every voice is heard, every identity is respected, and every story truly matters.
Here are a few resources to learn more about and support Asian Heritage Month and Canadian Jewish Heritage Month:
Asian Heritage Month:
- Government of Canada – Asian Heritage Month
- Chinese Canadian Museum (BC)
- Chinese Canadian Women Exhibit
