JUNE 27, 2020

WHEREAS, June 27 is Canadian Multiculturalism Day, a day to celebrate the cultural diversity of Canadians, and the history that brought us to this day. It was on October 8, 1971, in a statement to the House of Commons, that Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau announced multiculturalism as an official government policy. The intent was not to only preserve the cultural freedom of all individuals, but also to recognize the cultural contributions of diverse ethnic groups to Canadian society; and

WHEREAS, Canadians celebrate Canadian Multiculturalism on June 27th. A day to discover and appreciate the wealth and diversity of Canadian society. Show your love of Canada and your pride in being Canadian; and

WHEREAS, Discover the significance of Multiculturalism in Canada – ensuring that all citizens keep their identities, take pride in their ancestry and have a sense of belonging; and

WHEREAS, Thunder Bay’s rich diversity includes the original Indigenous founders and caretakers of this land, new Canadian citizens, international students and temporary workers. Now more than ever, it is important to find community within our similarities and our differences – we are human beings, and while we may not all be in the same boat – we are in the same storm together as we weather and navigate the impact that COVID-19 has had on our ways of life.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Bill Mauro, Mayor of the City of Thunder Bay, do hereby proclaim June 27, 2020 as Canadian Multiculturalism Day in the City of Thunder Bay. We wish you all a time of reflection and celebration as we take notice and importance of the diverse fabric that make up our lives, and our community.