Asian Heritage Month 2023

May is a time to recognize the long and rich history of Asian Canadians and their contributions to our country. 

Asian Heritage Month has been celebrated across the country since the 1990s. It was officially recognized by the federal government in May 2002. May was also declared South Asian Heritage Month in Ontario in 2001.

The Canadian government’s official declaration acknowledges the presence in Canada for two centuries of people from East Asia, South Asia, West Asia, and Southeast Asia who immigrated here, bringing their rich cultural heritage and various ethnicities, languages and religious traditions.

South Asian immigrants began arriving in Ontario at the start of the 19th century. Working primarily in the sawmill industry, South Asian immigrants settled in various parts of the province.

For South Asians, the month of May has been a time of celebration and commemoration of their arrival from the Indian subcontinent to the Americas beginning on May 5, 1838.

People from these diverse, vibrant, and growing communities have contributed to every aspect of Canadian life, including the arts, science, sports, business, government, and of course, the labour movement.

Asians in Canada have a long history in the labour movement. Migrants and Canadians of Asian heritage have faced discrimination, exploitation, and racism in many workplaces on individual and institutional levels. Workers of Asian descent have demonstrated resilience and have organized to combat discrimination and racism.

Our Union is extremely proud to have so many members of Asian and South Asian heritage active on our work floors and in our Locals across the country. Our Asian and South Asian Sisters, Brothers and Comrades are part of our Union family, and we welcome their participation at all levels of CUPW.

Our communities have been shaped with the help of our Sisters, Brothers and Comrades of Asian and South Asian descent. During this heritage month, let’s aim to learn more about their stories, and become strong allies. 

Let us celebrate Asian Heritage Month in all our communities!

In solidarity,