Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to rise today to speak about Asian Heritage Month.
From athletes and entertainers, to business owners and community volunteers, Asian Canadians have made an incredible contribution to our country.
The 2003 SARS outbreak was a challenging time for the Asian-Canadian community when so many people grew afraid of shopping at Asian businesses. Community leaders in Markham—Thornhill rose to the challenge, and in doing so, encouraged others to do the same.
The first Taste of Asia festival brought the community together to promote local businesses and gave us a reason to celebrate who we are and the heritage that binds us. For the last 16 years, the leadership of the organizers, the Federation of Chinese Canadians in Markham and the Association of Progressive Muslims of Canada, have been a shining example of how Asian Canadians have helped make our country the compassionate and prosperous nation we know today.
I look forward to seeing many members in Markham on June 23 and 24 for this year's Taste of Asia Festival.