Arab Heritage Month in Canada Brings Communities Together for Joyful Festivities
It Highlights Contributions of Arab Canadians to Country's Rich Cultural Mosaic
Ten days from now, Arab Canadians will celebrate the first version of Arab Heritage Month, which gives over one million Arab Canadians the space to showcase their culture and talents.
It also provides the general Canadian public with the opportunity to learn more about the nuanced and diverse experiences and struggles that Arabs from coast to coast to coast face.
On February 7, 2022, MP David McGuinty introduced Bill C-232 – to designate the month of April as “Arab Heritage Month” in Canada. It received Royal Assent on June 23 and has officially become law.
This means that April is now recognized as Arab Heritage Month in Canada, and the federal government is encouraged to participate in and promote activities and events that celebrate the contributions of Arab Canadians to Canadian society.
The designation of Arab Heritage Month in Canada is intended to raise awareness of the important role that Arab Canadians have played and continue to play in shaping the country’s social, economic, cultural, and political fabric. It also aims to promote a greater understanding and appreciation of the diversity and richness of Arab culture and heritage.
The first Arab immigrant who arrived in Canada 140 years ago was Ibrahim Abu Nadir and he settled in Montreal. Since then, the Arab community grow and prosper in different parts of the country and truly help build the social fabric of Canadian society. The Arab population in Canada has increased by approximately 34% since 2011 and by about 75% since 2006.
Through its youth, our Arab Canadians’ futures are very bright. About 42% of the Arab population in Canada is under the age of 24. By comparison, the total Canadian population who is 24 years old and under was 29%. In addition, the Arab population in Canada has a lower proportion of people aged 65 and older, about 5%, than in the Canadian population as a whole, which is about 16%.
The recognition of Arab Heritage Month is an important step towards building a more inclusive and diverse society in Canada, where all cultures and communities are recognized and celebrated.
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