Canada News
Trudeau thanks Fil-Can frontliners on Filipino Heritage Month
Despite their sacrifices, the prime minister said these health workers have been unfairly targeted for racism. (File Photo: Justin Trudeau/Facebook)
As Canada celebrates the Filipino Heritage month, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed gratitude to all Filipino-Canadian frontliners who are risking their lives to save people from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID- 19) pandemic.
In his video message for the month-long celebration, Trudeau acknowledged the contributions made by Filipino-Canadians who, he said, “enrich our national fabric every single day.”
“Throughout the month of June, we celebrate you and the important contributions you’ve made and continue to make to Canada, particularly in the fight against this global pandemic,” he said.
“We thank all those Filipino-Canadians working on the frontline,” he continued.
Despite their sacrifices, the Prime Minister said these health workers have been unfairly targeted for racism.
“Unfortunately, there have been many incidents and acts of racism towards Canadians of Asian descent lately, including against Filipinos. This is unacceptable,” Trudeau said.
“Racism in any form has no place in Canada, and I want you to know that we stand with you,” he continued.
While mass gatherings are still not encouraged to prevent further transmission of the COVID-19 virus, Trudeau urged the Filipino-Canadian community to stay connected and celebrate the Filipino Heritage Month virtually for now.
Bardish Chagger, Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth, earlier thanked the Filipino-Canadians who are working as nurses, personal support workers, and caregivers, saying that they have been a “valuable” support to Canada in these trying times.
“The Filipino community is a beautiful example of diversity that makes us stronger,” she said.
[READ: Statement by Minister Chagger on Filipino Heritage Month]
While some will celebrate the occasion online, the Surrey Philippine Independence Day Society (SPIDS), on the other hand, previously announced that they will be honouring the Filipino Heritage Month this year through conducting a month-long blood donation drive for Canadian Blood Services.
[READ: City of Surrey proclaimed June 2020 as Filipino Heritage Month in Surrey]
