Whereas the first persons of Arab origin arrived in Canada in 1882, in the early years after Confederation;
Whereas the population of Arab Canadians has since grown to over one million and continues to flourish, with young and dynamic Arab Canadian communities thriving throughout Canada;
Whereas Arab Canadians from all walks of life have made important contributions to Canada’s social, economic and political life;
Whereas Arab Canadians have made rich contributions to the cultural fabric of Canada, including through literature, music, food and fashion;
And whereas Parliament wishes to recognize and celebrate the historic mark that Arab Canadians have made and continue to make in building Canadian society;
Now, therefore, His Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate and House of Commons of Canada, enacts as follows:
Short Title
This Act may be cited as the Arab Heritage Month Act.
Arab Heritage Month
Throughout Canada, in each year, the month of April is to be known as “Arab Heritage Month”.