^{Tamil Heritage Month poster, designed by TDSB committee member and Wexford CI student, Ganga.}

Canadian politicians from across the political spectrum released statements congratulating the Tamil community on their achievements and thanking them for their contributions to Canadian life as they marked Tamil Heritage Month.

The occasion was first marked after an unanimous decision in the House of Commons in 2016, passing a resolution to declare the January as Tamil Heritage Month. Since then, January has seen numerous events take place across the country with community leaders and politicians attending and paying tribute to Tamil Canadians.

The Toronto District School Board earlier announced that the month would be marked with the theme of “Remembrance. Resilience. Recognition.”

See some of the messages of support that Canadian politicians have been sending to the Tamil diaspora in the country below.

Pablo Rodriguez - Minister for Canadian Heritage

“Canada is home to one of the largest Tamil diasporas in the world. Adopted unanimously by Parliament in 2016, Tamil Heritage Month provides Canadians with a great opportunity to celebrate the invaluable contributions of Tamil Canadians that have enriched Canada's social, cultural, economic and political fabric.

This January, let us all draw inspiration from the strength and resilience of the Tamil community. Their stories of courage in the face of adversity are truly inspiring.

As Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism, I invite all Canadians to take this opportunity to learn more about the Tamil community in Canada and celebrate their culture. 

Happy Tamil Heritage Month!"

See full statement here.

John Tory - Mayor of Toronto

“I want to wish Toronto’s Tamil community the best as we recognise and celebrate as Tamil Heritage Month in the city of Toronto.

[This] gives us the opportunity to appreciate all of the contributions Tamil Canadians have made to Toronto and to celebrate the richness of vibrancy the Tamil community adds to our city.

The success of Toronto’s Tamil community is a wonderful example of how our city welcomes diversity and how our city is made better by embracing the Tamil community, which has become one of achievement and good citizenship. 

As we celebrate this month, I recommit myself as mayor to our Tamil community in Toronto and to the work our city will do with Jaffna and the North-East of Sri Lanka as we work to create peace and opportunity for the residents there.”

See more here.

Doug Ford - Premier of Ontario

“Tamil Ontarian's have overcome many obstacles and made significant contributions to the growth of Ontario’s social, cultural, political and economic fabric.

As Premier, I wish everyone celebrating a joyous month of reflection, as you commemorate the richness of Tamil art, heritage and culture.”

See more here.

Bonnie Crombie - Mayor of Mississauga

“January is Tamil Heritage Month, a great opportunity to reflect on the contributions that Tamil Canadians have made to our City’s cultural, social and economic fabric. Thank you for making our dynamic and diverse city an even better place to live, work & raise a family.”

See more here.

Maurizio Bevilacqua - Mayor of Vaughan

"This month… recognises the important Tamil contributions to building our community and the achievements throughout the province and our nation.

We value and appreciate the efforts to honour social and cultural traditions and ensure that future generations will preserve and appreciate our rich heritage."

See more below.

Peter Bethlenfalvy - MPP for Pickering-Uxbridge

“January is #TamilHeritageMonth! I'm proud to recognize the important contributions Tamil Canadians make to Pickering-Uxbridge, and across Ontario. This month, I invite you to learn more about our province's Tamil communities and celebrate their rich culture.”

See more here.

Rod Phillips - MPP for Ajax, Ontario Minister of Environment

“Ajax is home to an incredibly diverse population including a robust Tamil community. As they prepare to celebrate the beginning of #ThaiPongal later this month, we commemorate the achievements of Tamil-Canadians during #TamilHeritageMonth in Ontario! #ONpoli"

See more here.

Jane McKenna - MPP for Burlington

"Canada is home to the 2nd largest Tamil diaspora in the world and we are grateful for their contributions in making Ontario a better place.  Learn more about Tamil history and culture at https://www.canadiantamilcongress.ca/    #TamilHeritageMonth  #OntarioTamils #ForThePeople"

See more here.

Mitzie Hunter - MPP for Scarborough-Guildwood

"In regards to #TamilHeritageMonth I would like to thank the Tamil Community for their contributions to the community. Thank you for your dedication in making #ScarbTO one of the best places to live, work, raise a family & grow old."

See more here.