Time for Caribbean Month in Canada, say organizations

CANADA’S Caribbean community is celebrating the introduction of federal legislation to formally designate July as Caribbean Heritage Month (CHM) in Canada. An unofficial coalition of leading Caribbean organizations from across the country has publicly endorsed efforts to establish CHM, and those efforts have taken a significant step forward with the introduction of Bill S-248, Caribbean Heritage Month Act, by Senator Paulette Senior.

Canada’s Caribbean presence can be traced back to the late 18th century. Migration from the region has continued—and increased—ever since. The 2016 Census reported that approximately 750,000 Canadians have Caribbean origins; by 2025, that number is estimated to have surpassed one million. Today, significant Caribbean populations exist in all major Canadian cities, reflecting a community that is both visible and impactful across the country.

At times, the growth of the Caribbean-Canadian population has outpaced the national average. Between 1996 and 2001, Canada’s overall population increased by four per cent, while the Caribbean-Canadian population grew by 11 per cent. The community’s influence in Canada is extensive and wide-ranging—from notable leaders and entrepreneurs to cultural contributions, economic ties, and the hosting of the largest Caribbean cultural celebration outside the region.

“Appropriate recognition of the Caribbean diaspora, which has been part of Canada for several centuries and continues to contribute to the country’s multicultural mosaic, is long overdue,” said Ryan Singh, Chair of the Indo-Caribbean Canadian Association. “The diversity of the Caribbean has strengthened Canada’s own diversity. Caribbean Canadians deserve to be acknowledged for their lasting impact. We are here, and we should be seen, heard, and recognized. This bill is not only important to Caribbean Canadians—it is significant to Canada’s nationhood.”

In October 2023, Canada hosted the first Canada-CARICOM Summit in Ottawa with leaders from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Under the theme “Strategic Partners for a Resilient Future,” the Prime Minister and CARICOM leaders advanced shared priorities, including building inclusive and sustainable economies, strengthening trade and investment, and expanding multilateral collaboration. The summit highlighted the deep and enduring connections between Canada and the Caribbean.

Those connections are reinforced by the many Canadians who maintain family ties and cultural roots across Caribbean nations.

“Each year, hundreds of thousands of people come together to celebrate and enjoy Caribbean culture in Toronto at the Toronto Caribbean Carnival— our economic impact and culture are deserving of recognition,” said Jennifer Hirlehey, Executive Chair of the Festival Management Committee. “Caribbean culture is vibrant, lively, and inclusive. It represents the best of Canada. That is why Caribbean Heritage Month is so important—we will use this opportunity to share the joy and passion of our people with everyone.”

The Caribbean Heritage Month Act (Bill S-248) must complete the federal legislative process before becoming law. This includes second reading, committee review, and third reading in the Senate. If passed, the bill will move to the House of Commons, where Michael Coteau, Member of Parliament for Scarborough—Woburn, has committed to sponsoring it. The legislation would then undergo a similar process in the House of Commons before receiving Royal Assent.

The coalition of organizations remains optimistic that parliamentarians from all parties will support the bill and ensure the Caribbean community receives appropriate national recognition.

Community leaders are already planning to observe Caribbean Heritage Month this July through events, gatherings, and public engagement initiatives across the country, regardless of whether the legislation has completed the parliamentary process.

For updates and information about Caribbean Heritage Month in Canada, visit caribbeanmonth.ca.