The Manitoba government honoured Multiculturalism Day by welcoming a group of new Canadians to Manitoba. The province co-hosted a ceremony at the provincial legislative building.
Multiculturalism and Literacy Minister Flor Marcelino formally recognized Multiculturalism Day with a ministerial statement from the house this past Thursday.
“As an immigrant who has truly felt at home in this province, multiculturalism is very close to my heart,” Minister Marcelino said. “It means that individually and as a group, we are able to keep our treasured traditions.”
The minister noted that it is a privilege for her to co-host two citizenship ceremonies with Canada Immigration and Citizenship every year.
“It is always an honour to be part of the final step as people become new Canadians and Manitobans,” the minister said. “It is a significant decision they have made and it is the culmination of a great deal of effort and dedication.”
In addition to the swearing in ceremony, there were many events held to celebrate Multiculturalism Day and the minister encouraged all Manitobans to enjoy the fun.
“I would like to thank all the individuals and organizations that have hosted the many multicultural celebrations. Your contributions to our province do not go unnoticed and they are very much appreciated. Because of you, we continue to be a dynamic and vibrant province.”
According to Citizenship and Immigration Canada, 10,000 new citizens called Manitoba home in 2014.
In the province of Manitoba, there are currently more than 250 ethnocultural groups that actively represent their communities. They represent 150 countries and 148 languages. This is in addition to the provinces 63 First Nations, who speak seven additional languages.
