City of Toronto: City Proclamations

City of Toronto Proclamation

"Asian Heritage Month"

May 2003

WHEREAS:	the Canadian Senate adopted May as Asian Heritage Month of Recognition. Toronto City Council affirms its commitment to the belief that the racial and ethno-cultural diversity of its communities is the utmost source of strength; and
WHEREAS:	Toronto City Council has always been in the forefront of efforts to eliminate racial discrimination in every form and strive for equality for all people regardless of race, colour, ethnic origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability or level of literacy; and
WHEREAS:	Asia is now the number one source of immigrants to Canada. In Toronto, Chinese is the second most spoken language followed closely by an array of other Asian languages such as Vietnamese, Japanese and Tagalog; and
WHEREAS:	members of the Asian Canadian community have made significant contributions to the settlement, growth, development, and future of Canada. Asian Heritage Month provides an opportunity for the contributions of people of Asian descent to be showcased, shared and celebrated.
NOW,
THEREFORE:	I, Mayor Mel Lastman, on behalf of Toronto City Council and the 2.5 million people of our great City, do hereby proclaim May 2003 as "Asian Heritage Month" in the City of Toronto to recognize the significant role people of Asian heritage play in the mosaic, success and vitality of our City.

[Signed Mayor Mel Lastman]