Asian Heritage Month 2025

This May, CUPW proudly joins the Asian community across Canada in celebrating
ASIAN HERITAGE MONTH. It’s a time to honour the history and rich cultural contributions of Canadians of Asian descent.

May has been the month to highlight the achievements of the Asian community in Canada since the 1990s. In 2001, Ontario led the way by designating May as South Asian heritage month, commemorating their arrival from the Indian subcontinent to the Americas in 1838. In 2002, the Canadian government followed suit by designating May as Asian Heritage Month - recognizing two centuries of important cultural contributions.

People of Asian descent, with their rich diversity of languages, cultures, and histories, have made significant contributions to and become an integral part of Canadian society. Today, their influence continues to be felt across Canadian society. From the Arts and Sciences to sports and the public service, Canadians of Asian heritage continues to enrich life in our country. According to the 2021 census, there were more than 7 million people in Canada of Asian heritage or nearly 20% of the Canadian population.

CUPW takes pride in the many members of Asian descent who contribute to the strength of our union in advancing workers’ rights on the work floors and in locals through their leadership. Their sense of perseverance and solidarity is a great source of inspiration for us all.

During this month let’s take time to reflect and learn more about the many achievements and contributions that Canadians of Asian heritage has made and continue to make to our country.

In Solidarity,