Heritage Week & International Mother Languages Day

Statement in the House of Commons celebrating Heritage Week and International Mother Languages Day

Mr. Speaker,

Today is a very special day. Not only is it the second day of Canada’s Heritage Week, it is also recognized by the global community as International Mother Languages Day.

Heritage Week was created to celebrate the unique value of Canada’s built heritage. These are the roots and places that tell this country’s story and from coast to coast to coast, I’m sure we can all think of an historic building worth preserving.

Today is also an opportunity to appreciate Canada’s cultural heritage. In 1999, UNESCO recognized February 21st as International Mother Languages Day to celebrate the linguistic heritage of peoples across the world.

This effort would have been impossible without the  efforts of the Vancouver-based organization, Mother Language Lovers of the World, and Mr. Abdus Salam, a founding member whose family now lives in my riding of Cloverdale-Langley City.

I would like to commend Mr. Salam for his tireless efforts and join him in celebrating our country’s linguistic diversity.

Thank You.