Statement on Canadian Jewish Heritage Month

Legislation Introduced in Canadian Senate to Enact Canadian Jewish Heritage Month

December 06, 2016

Ottawa
Parliament of Canada

The Honourable Linda Frum, Senator (Ontario) and Member of Parliament Michael Levitt (York Centre) announced today that legislation has been introduced in the Senate of Canada to officially designate the month of May as Canadian Jewish Heritage Month. They were joined by Members of Parliament Peter Kent (Thornhill) and Randall Garrison (Esquimalt—Saanich—Sooke).

“As a proud member of Canada’s Jewish community, I am delighted to have the privilege of bringing forward in the Senate an Act that will formalize the month of May as a time to celebrate Canadian-Jewish culture and honour the significant contributions made by Canadians of Jewish faith starting from the very earliest days of colonial settlement. I thank my Parliamentary colleagues for their strong, all-party support,” said Senator Linda Frum

“As a Jewish parliamentarian, it is my honour to sponsor this bill in the House of Commons. Jewish Canadians have made incredible contributions to our country. By celebrating these contributions, Jewish Heritage Month will provide an opportunity to remember and celebrate the inspirational role that Jewish Canadians have played in communities across Canada,” said MP Michael Levitt.

“The Canadian Jewish Community has made immense contributions to our country. I am proud to represent a riding with one of the largest Jewish populations in Canada. I look forward to supporting this legislation, both on behalf of my constituents and the broader Canadian community,” said MP Peter Kent.

“Canadian Jewish Heritage Month will be an opportunity for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the role that the Canadian Jewish Community has played across the country. This is an important initiative and I commend my colleagues for their work to bring this to fruition,” said MP Randall Garrison.

Canadian Jewish Heritage Month will mirror legislation passed in the Province of Ontario and the Congressional Resolution and Presidential Proclamation in the United States to designate the month of May as Jewish Heritage Month.

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Contact:

Office of MP Michael Levitt
(613) 941-6339

OR

Aaron Silver
Director of Parliamentary Affairs
Office of Senator Linda Frum
(613) 995-5013