Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to recognize and celebrate the diversity of the Northwest Territories. On October 30, 2018, the House of Commons unanimously passed Motion 155 recognising June as Filipino Heritage Month in Canada. This declaration expresses Canada's recognition of the contribution of Canadians of Filipino heritage from coast to coast to coast. "Filipino Canadians have and continue to make Canada a better place with their recognized hard work, solid family ties, and strong religious grounding."
The Philippines declared their independence from Spain on June 12, 1898, and today recognises 19 official languages. Filipinos are the fastest-growing ethnic group in Canada. Prominent Philipino Canadians include singers like Canadian Idol finalist Elena Juatco and athletes like soccer star Jonathan de Guzman. Canada's first Filipino Canadian Member of Parliament and Cabinet Minister Rey Pagtakhan, the late Senator Tobias Enverga, and Yellowknife's own city councillor Rommel Silverio are champions of the Filipino-Canadian community, and I want to thank them for all that they have contributed to the Canadian experience.
As far back as the 1930s, the first wave of Filipinos came to Canada and worked as nurses, garment workers, teachers, and in the health sector. Their stories are often those of enormous sacrifice, leaving their families behind in the Philippines to build a better life for them here in Canada, and hoping one day to be reunited with their families.
Mr. Speaker, building a diverse and inclusive society through promoting and encouraging awareness, understanding, and respect for our many different cultures must remain a paramount priority. The Filipino community is another example of how diversity is our strength. Filipino Heritage Month is a way of showing our country's appreciation of the Filipino community for their important contribution throughout Canadian history and for helping to make our country diverse and vibrant. Filipino Heritage Month will help celebrate these important contributions, and many more, that have enriched Canadian society.
Mr. Speaker I hope that the Members of this House will join me in celebrating and honouring Filipino Heritage Month. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.