moved for leave to introduce Bill C-232, An Act respecting Arab Heritage Month.
Mr. Speaker, it is indeed an honour and a privilege to rise in the House of Commons to introduce my private member's bill, which would establish the month of April in Canada as Arab heritage month.
The first persons of Arab origin arrived in Canada in 1882 in the early years after Confederation some 140 years ago. Since then, the population of Arab Canadians has grown to well over one million and continues to flourish.
Arab Canadians from all walks of life have made important contributions to Canada's social, economic and political life and to the cultural fabric of Canada, including through literature, music, food and fashion.
This bill would recognize and celebrate the historic mark Arab Canadians have made and continue to make in building our wonderful Canadian society.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)