In 2002, the Government of Canada officially designated the month of May as Asian Heritage Month. Since then, celebrations and festivals highlighting Asian arts and culture have been held across Canada throughout the month of May.

Citizenship. Immigration, and Multiculturalism Canada Minister Jason Kenney launched the month's celebrations at an official ceremony on Parliament Hill with the Ottawa Asian Heritage Month Society.

"Since the Government of Canada officially designated May as Asian Heritage Month, we have watched the significance of this month grow," said Minister Kenney. "It has helped many of us better understand the rich diversity the Asian Canadian Community brings to Canada."

At an Asian Heritage Month luncheon, New Brunswick Senator Vivienne Poy (who was appointed Canada's first Asian Senator in 1998) called for increased immigration efforts by the province.

The luncheon, put on by the New Brunswick Asian Heritage Society was held to discuss how diversity can be better promoted in the classroom along with issues faced by New Brunswick's Asian population.

"The discussions and awareness shouldn't end after the month of May," said Madhu Verma, chairwoman of the New Brunswick Asian Heritage Society. "We want to be able to continue the theme of Asian Heritage Month in the schools and everywhere. The theme is the rich history of Asian Canadians we have right here in Canada, and celebrating their contributions because they have contributed to building our nation."