Celebrating Canada's diversity

May is Asian Heritage Month. It is a time to recognize the immense contributions that Asian Canadians have made and continue to make as we work towards a more inclusive and equitable society for all. It is also a time to celebrate the rich diverse cultures and history in Asian communities across the country while recognizing the work there is to do in order to combat hate and discrimination that Asian Canadians still face today.

Canada is a diverse country with people of many different backgrounds. For the last two centuries, immigrants have come to Canada from all parts of Asia, bringing with them a rich heritage representing many languages, ethnicities and religions.

This year’s theme Stories of Determination represents the strides made and the challenges overcome by Asian communities to thrive in Canada over the last two centuries and beyond. It is a history filled with hardship and setbacks, but ultimately, it is a story of triumph over adversity.

Within our vibrant Filipino community, May also marks Flores de Mayo. It is a popular festival dedicated to honour the Virgin Mary in the Philippines, which is also known as "Santacruzan" or "Sagalahan". Flores de Mayo is a cultural celebration that showcases the beauty and richness of Filipino traditions and customs, including music, dance, and clothing. It is a colorful and joyful festival that brings together communities and families, and it is an important part of the Philippine cultural heritage. Across Alberta, Filipino communities celebrate Flores de Mayo through community gatherings, processions, and masses in honor of the Virgin Mary. Flores de Mayo in Canada is an opportunity for Filipino Canadians to come together to celebrate our cultural heritage and for Canadians to learn about Filipino culture and traditions.

Canada's diversity is one of our country’s greatest strengths and our government continues to support our diverse communities through investments in cultural organisations and community events. Liberal MP’s understand the importance these events and organisations have in fostering a cohesive and inclusive community.

That is why Liberal MP’s in Alberta and across Canada make it a priority to participate and support community-level cultural events and organisations.

These events and groups are not only an excellent way to celebrate our cultural history and heritage, but an opportunity to provide cross-culture learning. Participation in various cultural events help build respect, break down barriers, and provide a better appreciation for different ways of living. We believe that creating more of these opportunities and initiatives we will build a more diverse, more inclusive, and more welcoming Canada for future generations.

Our Liberal team knows that there is always more work to do. We want to hear from you directly on how we can work together to deliver results for Albertans and build a stronger, fairer, more competitive, more affordable, more inclusive, and more sustainable economy. We look forward to hearing from all of you, contact our offices directly and share your ideas with us.

Happy Asian Heritage Month!

We would also like to acknowledge the impact of the current wildfire crisis in Alberta. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has received Premier Danielle Smith’s request for federal assistance and our government will be responding by working with the Canadian Red Cross to set up a matching fund to help Albertans who have been impacted alongside other resources in the form of emergency services, additional firefighters and airlift assistance. We want to thank all the first responders for helping community members affected by this emergency.

Sulong Alberta!

Gumagalang,

George, Randy, and Rechie

Hon. Randy Boissonnault is the Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre. He has been Canada’s Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance since October 2021.

George Chahal is the Member of Parliament for Calgary Skyview. He was formerly the Calgary City Councillor for Ward 5.

Rechie Valdez is the Member of Parliament for Mississauga–Streetsville. She is Canada’s first Filipina Member of Parliament. She is the current Chair of the Canada Philippines Parliamentary Friendship Group.

Contact Informations

The Hon. Randy Boissonnault

MP for Edmonton Centre

Minister of Tourism and Associate

Minister of Finance

Main office – Edmonton #202, 10235 124 St

Edmonton, Alberta

T5N 1P9

Telephone:780-442-1888

Email: Randy.Boissonnault@parl.gc.ca

George Chahal

MP for Calgary Skyview

Main office – Calgary 101-7 Westwinds Crescent NE

Calgary, AB

T3J 5H2

Telephone: 403-291-0018

Email: George.Chahal@parl.gc.ca

Website: GeorgeChahalMP.ca

Rechie Valdez

MP for Mississauga–Streetsville

Telephone: 905-812-1811

Email: Rechie.valdez@parl.gc.ca