Happy Multiculturalism Day 2018!
June 27, 2018. OTTAWA. The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) joins all Canadians in celebrating Multiculturalism Day.
One of the key values that defines Canada, it is through multiculturalism that we celebrate our diverse traditions and backgrounds, while preserving our unity as Canadians. Ukrainian Canadians – a part of the fabric of Canadian life for over 125 years – like many peoples, have found freedom here in Canada. Here we have developed and nurtured our language and traditions, contributing to Canada’s success.
“On behalf of our community, I wish all Canadians a happy Multiculturalism Day,” stated Paul Grod, National President of UCC. “As Ukrainian Canadians, today we reflect with pride on the role our community, and Ukrainian Canadian leaders such as the late Senator Paul Yuzyk, played in the development and adoption of the policy of multiculturalism.”
Senator Yuzyk is widely recognized as the “father of multiculturalism.” The Ukrainian Canadian community was at the forefront of the movement for the adoption of the policy of multiculturalism, which was announced at the Triennial Congress of Ukrainian Canadians by Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau in 1971.
Earlier this year, honouring the legacy of Senator Yuzyk, the Government of Canada announced the Paul Yuzyk Youth Initiative for Multiculturalism, which provides grants to youth-led projects that promote diversity and inclusion, while addressing racism and discrimination in local communities. More information on the contributions of Senator Yuzyk is available here
