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June 9, 2026, the Honourable Paulette Senior, Senator, presented Second Reading debate on Bill S-248, Caribbean Heritage Month Act in the Senate of Canada. Watch the Senator's FULL SPEECH HERE.
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After Senator Senior's presentation, Senator Leo Housakos, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate of Canada (Conservative), shared his support for the Bill and called for an immediate vote - the Bill PASSED Second Reading in the Senate! It was referred to the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology.
About
Despite over one million Canadians from or with family origins in the Caribbean, the community remains underrepresented, unappreciated, and unrecognized. Many other ethnocultural and religious communities in Canada have been recognized by the federal government with a awareness month designation. Canada’s Caribbean community deserves to have its distinct culture and contributions to the nation recognized and celebrated.
We support Bill S-248, Caribbean Heritage Month Act, to ensure a month is dedicated to recognize the contributions of Canada's Caribbean community.
May 26, 2026, the Honourable Paulette Senior, Senator, introduced Bill S-248, Caribbean Heritage Month Act. This was the start of the required legislative process before a bill becomes law.
Vision
The federal government should pass Bill S-248, Caribbean Heritage Month Act, to declare the month of July each year as Caribbean Heritage Month in Canada. And opportunity to demonstrate recognition, celebrate, amplify, and support Canada’s growing and dynamic Caribbean community.
There is no Caribbean Heritage Month in Canada. Unlike many other ethnocultural, national, and religious communities in Canada who have an awareness month recognized by the federal government.
In 2023, Canada’s Parliament adopted Bill S-246, Lebanese Heritage Month Act, declaring November as Lebanese Heritage Month in Canada. Many other communities have also acquired similar national and provincial recognition. For example, the federal government has marked January as Tamil Heritage Month. March is recognised as Irish Heritage Month, while June is designated as Heritage Month for the Italian, Filipino, and Portuguese communities. German and Latin American communities share October for their Heritage Month.
Across the border, Caribbean Heritage Month is recognized in the United States during June. The official campaign for a National Caribbean American Heritage Month began in 2004 when a legislative bill was tabled in Congress by Congresswoman Barbara Lee. The Bill was reintroduced and passed the House in June 2005 and the Senate in February 2006. A Proclamation making the resolution official was signed by President George W. Bush on June 5, 2006.
It is time to recognize Canada’s Caribbean community.
News
IN THE NEWS
June 2026 - Canadian Heritage Month Bill gains national momentum
IN THE NEWS
Aug 2025 - Caribbean diaspora seeks Heritage Month recognition
IN THE NEWS
May 2026 - Time for Caribbean Month in Canada, say organizations
MEDIA RELEASE
May 2026 - Canada’s Caribbean Community Unite in Support of Recognition
MEDIA RELEASE
Jul 2025 - Time for Caribbean Heritage Month in Canada
July
WHY JULY?
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No other heritage or national community is commemorated in July - our own month!
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Many Caribbean cultural and community events occur across the country, including Toronto Caribbean Carnival, the largest Caribbean event outside of the Caribbean.
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In 2022 the Government of Manitoba officially proclaimed the month of July as Caribbean Heritage Month in Manitoba.
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On July 4, 1973, the Treaty of Chaguaramas, signed established to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
From across Canada, the Caribbean community is uniting
in support of Caribbean Heritage Month in July
Community
