WHEREAS, the Chinese Canadian community has made profound and lasting contributions to the economic, cultural, and social development of Canada since the 19th century; and,
WHEREAS, Chinese Canadians have played a foundational role in nation-building, including in the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway and in the growth of communities across the country; and,
WHEREAS, Chinese Canadians have endured historical injustices, including the Head Tax (1885–1923) and the Chinese Exclusion Act (1923–1947), and have demonstrated resilience, perseverance, and continued commitment to Canada’s progress; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Markham was the first municipality in Canada to formally proclaim February as Chinese Heritage Month and has long been a leader in celebrating Chinese culture, heritage, and contributions; and,
WHEREAS, the Regional Municipality of York has also formally proclaimed February as Chinese Heritage Month, recognizing the significant contributions of the Chinese Canadian community within the region; and,
WHEREAS, the Province of Ontario officially proclaimed February as Chinese Heritage Month through the Chinese Heritage Month Act, 2024, building on previous work and advocacy from municipalities such as Markham; and,
WHEREAS, there are approximately 1.8 million Canadians of Chinese origin or heritage, representing one of the largest and most diverse communities in Canada; and,
WHEREAS, while May is recognized nationally as Asian Heritage Month, it does not fully reflect or highlight the unique history, experiences, and contributions of the Chinese Canadian community; and,
WHEREAS, Asian Heritage Month was established to recognize the broader Asian community made up of many different cultural groups and representing people of diverse backgrounds; and,
WHEREAS, other communities have received dedicated federal heritage month recognition, including Sikh Heritage Month (April), Filipino Heritage Month (June), Islamic Heritage Month (October), and Hindu Heritage Month (November); and,
WHEREAS, national recognition of Chinese Canadian Heritage Month would promote greater awareness, inclusion, education, and celebration of Chinese Canadian history and their contributions across Canada;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
- That the Council of the City of Markham formally requests the Government of Canada to proclaim the month of February as Chinese Canadian Heritage Month; and,
- That this motion be forwarded to: The Minister of Canadian Heritage; Members of Parliament representing the City of Markham and York Region; the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM); the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO); and large urban municipalities across Canada; and,
- That the City of Markham affirms its continued commitment to recognizing and celebrating Chinese Heritage Month annually and supporting initiatives that promote cultural understanding, inclusion, and community engagement; and further,
- That the City Clerk forward a copy of this resolution to all Members of Parliament.