Latin American Heritage Takes Centre Stage on Parliament Hill

October is Latin American Heritage Month, an opportunity to celebrate the rich cultures, traditions, languages and contributions of Latin American communities across Canada.

It was a pleasure to join colleagues, community leaders, diplomatic representatives and members of the Latin American and Hispanic community for a successful 10th annual Latin American and Hispanic Day on the Hill in Ottawa. The day was a wonderful celebration of the contributions of more than 1.7 million Spanish-speaking Canadians, and the important role Latin American communities play in our country.

This year’s festivities were particularly special with the addition, for the first time, of a panel featuring Members of Parliament from the Canadian Section of ParlAmericas (CPAM). It was an honour to organize the panel discussion, which highlighted the strong and longstanding ties between Canada and Latin America and the Caribbean.

As Chair of the Canadian Section of ParlAmericas, I have had the privilege of working with parliamentarians and diplomatic representatives from across our hemisphere. These relationships strengthen our connections, encourage dialogue and help bring our communities and countries closer together.

Latin American Canadians have enriched our country as entrepreneurs, workers, researchers, educators, artists and community leaders. Their contributions are an important part of Canada’s story, and that diversity and heritage deserve to be celebrated each and every day.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s celebration such a success, especially those who made the journey from Saint-Léonard–Saint-Michel to join us. Together, we see the richness of Latin American heritage reflected in our businesses, families, and community organizations.

It was a privilege to bring that same spirit of community to Parliament Hill and celebrate the people, cultures, and traditions that continue to make Canada stronger.