Every year, June 27 marks Canadian Multiculturalism Day, a day to celebrate diversity, equality and mutual respect.
In recognition of the day, Richmond MLA and Liberal Critic for Multiculturalism Teresa Wat said 鈥淐anadian Multiculturalism Day is an opportunity to celebrate our rich diversity and to recognize what makes our country and our province unique, creative and strong.
鈥淭hat strength is thanks, in no small part, to the remarkable contributions made by cultural communities to our economy and society.鈥�
According to Statistics Canada, B.C. is the most ethnically diverse province in the country. According the City of Richmond, over 150 different ethnic origins with at least 25 people have reported living in the city.
"British Columbia is the most diverse province in Canada. Our history has been shaped by all the people who have helped build British Columbia, and connect us to the world. Together, we're working every day toward a brighter future, with more opportunity for everyone who lives here,鈥� said Premier John Horgan in a statement.
For Wat, the responsibility to foster respect between ethnicities falls on the 鈥渆ach and every one of us.鈥�
鈥淭oday gives us an opportunity to understand our rich history and what it means to be Canadian鈥� acceptance, inclusion and diversity,鈥� Wat said. 鈥淭hese values are just as important today in a world where xenophobia and nationalism are on the rise.鈥�
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