TERESA Wat, MLA for Richmond North Centre and BC Liberal Critic for Multiculturalism, on Friday released the following statement for Asian Heritage Month:

“British Columbia celebrates the month of May as Asian Heritage Month, a time when we honour and celebrate our strong and vibrant Asian communities and the contributions Asian Canadians have made to our history as well as our future.

“The impacts of the COVID-19 health crisis have been felt in communities throughout British Columbia as businesses struggle under the economic pressures of COVID-19. But time and again, our Asian-Canadian communities have risen to the challenge to support those in need through food delivery services, volunteering, providing goods to food banks, and helping secure PPE equipment for our healthcare workers.

“During this Asian Heritage Month, it is more important than ever to not only fight against the pressures of COVID-19, but also against racial stigmatization and discrimination.

“Because of COVID-19, we cannot join in the typical gatherings to celebrate our vibrant Asian communities in B.C. but I invite you all to join me at the virtual opening ceremony this evening where Vancouver City Hall will illuminate in red to commemorate the start of Asian Heritage month.

“I encourage you all to take a moment to learn more about our Asian culture and heritage here in British Columbia so we can all take part to celebrate a happy Asian Heritage Month. Thank you.”

The Asian Heritage Month ceremony can be watched virtually from the Facebook page of the Vancouver Asian Heritage Month Society at www.facebook.com/explorASIAN/