Honourable senators, next week marks the start of Latin American Heritage Month in Canada — a time to celebrate the vibrant cultures, histories and contributions of over 1 million Canadians of Latin American origin.

From Mexico to Argentina, from the Caribbean to the Andes, the Latin American community brings with it the richness of more than 20 countries and has become an integral part of our multicultural mosaic. Whether through music, dance, community, leadership, entrepreneurship or the sharing of languages and traditions, Latin Americans are helping to change the Canada of today and also the Canada of tomorrow. The Latin American population has tripled over the last 25 years. Young, dynamic and diverse, this community is building bridges from coast to coast to coast.

Latin American Heritage Month is an opportunity to recognize and highlight the many ways in which Latin Americans enrich our country. From the performers who bring our stages to life to professionals that drive our institutions forward, volunteers who strengthen community bonds, and inspirational elected officials, Latin Americans are making a real difference in every sector. All too often, however, these contributions go unnoticed, as if they were invisible. Today, however, and for all of October, we have decided to celebrate, recognize and pay tribute to them.

We should also point out the striking parallels among Indigenous peoples from all over North and South America. Both share a history of resilience, traditional knowledge, and deep respect for nature. Thank you, Senator McCallum. I really enjoyed your speech.

From the Amazon rainforest to the Canadian boreal forest, our responsibilities are closely related: We have to protect the land, water and species that migrate freely across borders, whales and marine mammals, birds like ducks and geese, and even butterflies like the monarch. By protecting biodiversity and working together with Indigenous peoples and Latin American communities, we are strengthening not only our cultural ties, but also our shared future.

Friends, next week, we will have a party on Thursday, October 2, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. I know many of you have been there, but this is a special invitation to all the new colleagues who have joined us. I invite you to join Latin American Canadians from across the country for the Latin American and Hispanic Day on the Hill at the Sir John A. Macdonald Building. Come live and experience the Latin American type of living and celebrate our community. Thank you. Meegwetch. Gracias.