By Thomas I. Likness
EBC Edmonton Bureau
EDMONTON (Eagle News) — As Filipinos worldwide mark the 122nd anniversary of Philippine Independence on June 12, Prime Minister Trudeau recognized the contributions of Filipino to Canada.
“The Filipino community has become one of the fastest growing communities in Canada, reaching nearly one million people,” Trudeau said Friday. “The community enriches our national fabric, and plays a pivotal role in strengthening the close bonds between our two countries.”
Trudeau encouraged people to recognize the significant contributions that past and present generations of Canadians of Filipino origin have brought to the country.
He also noted the racism Filipinos face in Canada.
“Too many members of this community face discrimination, something that has gotten worse because of this pandemic,” said Trudeau. “There is no place in this country for racism against Asian Canadians or anybody else.”
“As we celebrate Filipino Heritage Month, we can’t ignore the ways in which our country must do better,” he said.
Trudeau added Canada will continue to work with the Philippines to deepen its relationship in a number of areas of common interest, such as international trade and development.
(Eagle News Service)