Since 2002, May has been recognized as Asian Heritage Month in Canada. This month provides a chance to celebrate the varied histories, cultures, and contributions of Asian communities throughout Canada. It also allows us to recognize the barriers that Asian Canadians still face, including workplace discrimination and anti-Asian hate. 

Asian Canadian workers have played a significant role in Canada’s labour history but faced significant racism in workplaces and within the labour movement. While much has been accomplished in recent years, there is still much to do to address the systems of racism and oppression that are embedded in our workplaces, our unions, and society.  

Learn, act, and celebrate 

Asian Heritage Month does not celebrate one culture or one history, but rather refers to broad and diverse groups of people who come from or whose ancestors come from East Asia, South Asia, Central Asia, Southeast Asia, and Western Asia. This encompasses many, many diverse cultures, hundreds of languages, and distinct histories.   

This month, CEIU encourages our members to learn about and commemorate Asian heritage in Canada, using the resources below and many others available during the month of May and beyond. Events are taking place across Canada and we encourage members to attend community events. 

Resources: 

• PSAC: Important moments and leaders in Asian Canadian labour history 

• Asian Canadian Labour Alliance 

• Resources for Asian Heritage Month  

• Guide on Anti-Asian Racism: Asian Canadian History 
  
• Noteworthy Canadians of Asian Heritage (PDF)

Contribute and win! 

CEIU is developing an Anti-Racism Plan that will provide us with important tools and a plan of action to address the barriers that racialized, Black, and Indigenous CEIU members face.  

We cannot do this without the input of our members! We need to hear from you about your experiences and your ideas for building an anti-racist union.  

• Fill in our survey to share your insights and you could win a $100 gift card.