Statement from Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter to Honour Asian Heritage Month and South Asian Heritage Month
May is Asian Heritage and South Asian Heritage Month. This month provides all of us with the opportunity to celebrate and honour the contributions of Canadians from Asian and South Asian descent, both past and present. People of this diverse, vibrant and growing community have contributed and continue to contribute to every aspect of life in our country, our province and our city.
May 10 is also the Day of Action against Anti-Asian Racism. The increase of acts of hate and violence against the Asian communities in Canada triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic is very concerning. I urge everyone to stand with me in denouncing these acts of racism, and all acts of racism in our country and our community.
The City of Oshawa has zero-tolerance for racism and condemns all racist acts of intimidation and violence. In July of 2020, Council passed a motion that re-confirmed the City’s support on zero tolerance for racism in our community and in May of 2021, City Council passed a motion denouncing and condemning all acts of racism and hate specifically against the Asian and South Asian communities.
The City of Oshawa is grateful for the contributions of Oshawa community members from Asian and South Asian descent and is committed to ensuring that our city provides an inclusive community for all.
This month, I encourage everyone to learn more about Asian and South Asian history in Canada. Celebrate the positive impacts Asian and South Asian Canadians have had and continue to have on our community, and stand in solidarity with the Asian community in fighting hate and racism.