Petition to the Government of Canada
Mark July as Caribbean Heritage Month in Canada
e-6648 (Holidays and observances)
For 58 years, the people of the Caribbean who have made Canada our home have demonstrated unwavering love and commitment to Canada by sharing the vibrant culture of the Caribbean with millions of people. The Toronto Caribbean Carnival began as a gift, an act of love from the Caribbean community as part of Canada’s Centennial celebrations. Today the Toronto Carnival is the largest festival of its kind in North America. Each year, the Toronto Carnival, contributes over $500 million to Canada’s GDP, generating a total of $182.7 million in tax revenue for all three levels of government. The Toronto Carnival supports over 3,000 small businesses and creates more than 3,341 jobs, representing the best of Canada’s diversity and inclusion.
People from the Caribbean arrived in Canada since the 1700’s and most recent data from Statistics Canada (2021 Census) state that approximately 1.6 million people of Caribbean origin live in Canada. Many Canadians of Caribbean origins or background have significantly contributed to the success and enrichment of Canada’s economic, social, political, and cultural fabric.
We, citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to introduce and pass legislation to declare July as Caribbean Heritage Month in Canada.