Petition to the Government of Canada
  Whereas:
  
    Canada is home to a large and vibrant Caribbean-Canadian community in excess of 800,000, a diverse group representing 43 Caribbean nations, regions and territories, and  a uniquely  wide range of ancestries, such as Indigenous, European, South American, African and Asian, and a multitude of languages including the six official languages (English, French, Dutch, Spanish, Creole and Papiamento);
    October is an important month for Caribbean-Canadians, since Caribbean immigration and settlement within Canada significantly increased after improvements were made to the immigration regulations in October 1967;
    The Government of Canada recognizes the significant, long-standing contributions that Caribbean-Canadians have made, dating back to the eighteenth century,  to Canada’s social, economic, political and cultural fabric; and
    By designating the month of October as Caribbean Heritage Month, the Government of Canada would provide an opportunity to remember, celebrate and educate future generations about Caribbean-Canadians and the important and inspirational role that they have played and continue to play in communities across Canada.
  
  
    We, the undersigned, residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada  to proclaim the month of October as “Caribbean Heritage Month”.