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Dear Sisters and Brothers,
Since 2002, Canada has designated May as Asian Heritage Month. During this month, we join members of the growing Asian Canadian community in celebrating the rich cultural heritage, which represents many languages, ethnicities and religious traditions across the country.
Ontario’s cultural diversity is one of its great strengths, and Asian Heritage Month represents a great opportunity for us all to learn about the tremendous contributions these communities have made to our collective history. There is a history of struggle against oppression that reaches from the building of the railways in the 19th century, through the racist head tax and whites-only immigration policies of the 20th century, and which continues today. Asian heritage is not only a vital part of the Canadian cultural fabric, but also an integral part of the country’s labour history.
This time is not just about the past, nor just about culture. It is also a time to recognize how our country, our province, our workplaces, communities and union are all changing.
If we are to grow and thrive as a union and as a movement, we must not only celebrate our diversity, but also actively seek ways to build bridges between growing communities. As a union, it is our responsibility to ensure every worker’s rights are respected. We must be vigilant in this responsibility, because newcomers are too often exploited, whether because of their economic need or because of language or cultural barriers.
This year, we take inspiration from the striking workers at Ming Pao Daily News. In the face of a viciously anti-union employer, they organized and went on strike for a first contract. Today, theirs is one of two unionized Chinese-language daily newspapers in Canada.
We look forward to celebrating Asian heritage this month, and encourage you to do the same. A list of events is available at cupe.on.ca/asianheritage2012
In Solidarity,
Fred Hahn Candace Rennick
President Secretary-Treasurer
