Every year in British Columbia, the third week in November is proclaimed as Multiculturalism Week.
This is a time to celebrate the contributions of our multicultural communities and to appreciate the way diversity enriches British Columbia. Multiculturalism strengthens our province and highlights our societal values of inclusion and cultural diversity.
Passed in 1993, British Columbia’s Multiculturalism Act was built on the aspiration of creating a multicultural society free from racism, where individuals are treated with respect and dignity and all British Columbians have equal opportunity to participate in the community.
As the most ethnically diverse province in Canada, B.C. is home to more than 200 First Nations, vibrant Métis, Inuit and urban Indigenous communities and residents who trace their origins to more than 200 countries or regions. Adding to our diversity, we welcome more than 40,000 new immigrants every year.