In his daily briefing on June 12, 2020, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau acknowledged Filipino Canadians and their contribution to the country.
Speaking about how the Federal government is working with the provinces and territories to support Canadians, Trudeau cited Filipino Canadians as examples of how “Canadians are stepping up to help.” He reported, “In Surrey, the community set up a blood donation drive as their way to pitch in. In Calgary, an organization called Fiesta Filipinos is raising money for care packages for families.”
Trudeau also cited Filipino Canadians in Montreal who have organized a food program to support the elderly who live alone or are isolated.
The prime minister took the opportunity to recognize June 12 as Philippine Independence Day. “Today, on this day of Philippine independence, we’re recognizing all the contributions made by the Filipino community in Canada.” Trudeau continued, “It’s also an opportunity to denounce the obstacles placed in front of members of that community.”
While acknowledging June as Filipino Heritage Month, Trudeau also stressed the discrimination that Filipinos in Canada face. “Too many members of this community face discrimination – something that has gotten worse because of this pandemic. There is no place in this country for racism against Asian Canadians or anybody else.” He urged all Canadians “to stand up against discrimination and injustice in all its forms.”
Trudeau concluded his briefing by calling on all Canadians to fight racism. “Now, more than ever, we need to stand up against discrimination and injustice in all its forms,” said Trudeau. “As Canadians, we are always stronger together.”
In a video posted on his Twitter account, Ontario premier Doug Ford greeted Filipinos in Ontario and around the world on the occasion of Philippine Independence Day. “Today, we honour and pay tribute to the perseverance and strength of those who never gave up hope for an independent Philippines,” Ford stated.
Noting that Ontario has the largest Filipino community in Canada, Ford added, “Ontario’s vibrant Filipino community has continued to be nation builders for our province’s socio-economic and cultural foundations.”
Meanwhile, Alberta premier Jason Kenney issued a statement in commemoration of Philippine Independence Day. He acknowledged the Filipinos’ “long road to liberation,” citing the Philippines’ historical struggle to achieve independence.
In his message, Kenney declared, “The Philippines is now a proud and trusted member of the international community, and its people enrich Alberta each day with their traditions and culture.”
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