VANCOUVER – As the last days of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games approach, MP Joyce Murray called on Conservative Canadian Heritage Minister James Moore to publicly endorse requests made by leaders in BC’s various cultural communities for appropriate representation of Canada’s ethnic and cultural diversity in the closing ceremonies of the games.
“These are Vancouver’s games and Canada’s games, and I congratulate the Olympic committee for all their dedication and hard work in making these Olympics the great success they have become. Vancouver and the rest of Canada have been transformed by the mosaic of people from around the world who have joined us in this celebration of excellence in all its many forms.
In our efforts to showcase all our cultural riches, aboriginal peoples, our linguistic duality played a large role in our opening ceremonies – but of course our immigrant communities have also shared the richness of their cultures and deserve a fitting role. They are key contributors in the building of our nation. This diversity is intrinsic to who and what Canada is today. So, rightfully, people from ethnic and cultural minorities expect to see themselves reflected in a ceremony showcasing Canada’s history, peoples and ways.
Community leaders from BC’s various ethnic communities have expressed disappointment about the opening ceremonies on February 12th. The relative absence of visible minorities in key ceremonial roles, and the lack of cultural content to showcase the rich diversity of immigrant groups so core to the essence of today’s Canada, was experienced as an unfortunate lack of accuracy, sensitivity and understanding.
Since these concerns were raised, Heritage Minister James Moore has failed to reach out and consult with the concerned cultural community leaders, so that practical solutions to including these cultures can be found, and their inclusion in the games’ closing ceremonies can be assured. Let’s celebrate the whole of our country’s proud history by including Canadians from the many other nations. By ignoring them, we are missing an important opportunity to celebrate the role they have played in shaping Canada today and for future generations.”
