The Government of Canada issues
statement to mark Polish Heritage Month
OTTAWA,
ON, May 1, 2024 /CNW/ - Today marks the start
of the first-ever Polish Heritage Month in Canada. Throughout May, we will be celebrating
the many contributions of Polish communities. Since the 18th
century, people of Polish descent have enriched our country's
cultural diversity, while promoting social justice and
solidarity.
Today there are 1.2 million people of Polish descent in
Canada. They were among the first
ethnocultural groups to come here. The first immigrants arrived
from Poland starting in 1752, most
of them settling first in Ontario.
In fact, Toronto is now home to
the largest Polish festival in North
America.
Polish Heritage Month is also an occasion to highlight the
enduring bonds Polish communities across Canada have maintained with their homeland.
Every year, Polish communities in Canada and around the world come together to
celebrate Polish Constitution Day, commemorating the historic
Polish Constitution of May 3, 1791. Moreover, this inaugural
Polish Heritage Month offers a chance to honour Polish National
Flag Day, which will take place on May 2.
Throughout May, we are recognizing the many contributions
Canadians of Polish descent make to our communities, actively
participating in associations and charities while achieving
remarkable feats in diverse fields such as the arts, business,
politics, education, science and sport.
Canada's strength lies in its
diversity, in the acceptance of all communities and in equality for
all. In May, I invite all Canadians to learn more about the
heritage and contributions of people of Polish descent in
Canada.
I wish you an excellent Polish Heritage Month!
SOURCE Canadian Heritage