News Release – Minister Kenney recognizes black Canadians’ contributions to Canadian identity

Ottawa, February 4, 2009 — The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, launched Black History Month today at the Canadian War Museum.

“The Government of Canada appreciates the valuable contributions of the black Canadian community to our national identity,” said Minister Kenney. “It is important that their achievements be celebrated and never forgotten.”

In December 1995, the Parliament of Canada officially recognized February as Black History Month, a time not only to celebrate, but also to learn about the experiences of black Canadians in our society and the vital role this community has played in the history of our country.

Black History Month 2009 will highlight the contribution of the No. 2 Construction Battalion of Pictou, Nova Scotia, in the First World War, and recognize black Canadian athletes’ achievements in athletics, especially Olympic sports. The month will also feature a one-day event in Ottawa tomorrow designed to develop young managers for museums of black Canadian history and help preserve the important contributions of black Canadians to our national identity.

Also, a popular photography exhibit of people and places recognized as nationally significant to Canada's history will travel across Canada. The exhibit was developed by Parks Canada in collaboration with Citizenship and Immigration's Multiculturalism Program.

For more information about the events mentioned here and others that will be happening across the country, visit our website at http://www.cic.gc.ca/blackhistorymonth.

For further information (media only), please contact:

Media Relations Unit
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
CIC-Media-Relations@cic.gc.ca