Your Honour, I just want to say it is such a privilege to be serving with everyone and to listen to such moving statements. These words have such an impact. I want to just stand with all of you in what you have done. It is a privilege for me to stand today.

Honourable senators, I’m honoured to rise and speak on Motion No. 187, that the Senate recognize the month of October each and every year as Korean heritage month, given the contributions that Korean Canadians have made to Canadian society, the deep-rooted friendship and bilateral ties between Canada and Korea and the importance of Korean heritage and culture within the fabric of Canadian society.

For the record, this motion is co-sponsored by Senator Amina Gerba, Senator Rebecca Patterson and Senator Hassan Yussuff, who each have their own genuine and personal relationship with Korea or the Korean community and, of course, are fellow colleagues in this chamber.

The month of October has special significance for people of Korean descent across Canada, in Korea and around the world. The third day of October is Gaecheonjeol, known as National Foundation Day in its English name. This national holiday of Korea celebrates the legendary formation of the first Korean state of Gojoseon in 2333 B.C. This date has been traditionally regarded as the date of the founding of the Korean people.

October 9 is Hangul Day, a national holiday to commemorate the creation and publication of Hangul, the Korean alphabet. This was developed by King Sejong, fourth king of the Joseon dynasty, in 1443 to eradicate illiteracy.

In 1446, Hangul was made the official writing system of Korea. Indeed, King Sejong would be pleased to know that Korea’s literacy rate in 2024 is 98%.

Korean peoples, like cultures around the world, have endured and accomplished much. The Canadian chapter of the Korean people is one rich in stories of love, survival, sacrifice, resilience, family, community and success. Canada is home to a sizable and dynamic Korean-Canadian population with communities thriving across the country, from bustling urban centres to picturesque rural towns.

Korean immigration to Canada began with seminary students in the 1940s and accelerated in the decades that followed. According to the 2021 Canadian Census, there were nearly 220,000 Korean Canadians in Canada, making them the fourth largest Korean diaspora population in the world.

Since the first wave of Korean immigrants arrived in Canada, the community has grown steadily, driven by a spirit of entrepreneurship, determination and a quest for new opportunities.

Korean Canadians have played a vital role in driving innovation, growth and prosperity in various sectors of the Canadian economy. From small businesses and start-ups to large corporations, Korean-Canadian entrepreneurs have made their mark, creating jobs, stimulating economic growth and contributing to Canada’s prosperity.

Moreover, Korean Canadians have made significant contributions to Canada’s cultural landscape, enriching our society with their vibrant traditions, arts and cuisine. Korean cultural practices, events and celebrations have become an integral part of Canada’s multicultural tapestry, celebrated and embraced by Canadians of all backgrounds.

In addition to their economic and cultural contributions, Korean Canadians actively engage in philanthropy, community service and civic participation, demonstrating a deep commitment to giving back and making a positive impact in their communities. Whether through volunteer work, charitable donations or advocacy efforts, Korean Canadians contribute to building stronger, more resilient communities and fostering social cohesion and solidarity.

Over the years, Canada and Korea have forged a robust partnership based on shared values, mutual respect and a commitment to prosperity and peace. As we reflect upon the journey of this relationship, it becomes evident that the bonds between Canada and South Korea have only grown stronger with time, encompassing various sectors and fostering collaboration on multiple fronts. Canada and South Korea share a common commitment to democracy, human rights and the rule of law. These shared values form the bedrock of our bilateral relationship and serve as a solid foundation for cooperation in diplomatic, economic, cultural and security domains.

One of the cornerstones of the Canada-South Korea relationship is trade and investment. Both nations are staunch supporters of open markets and free trade, which has facilitated the growth of bilateral trade and investment flows. The Canada‑Korea Free Trade Agreement, which came into effect in 2015, has significantly enhanced economic cooperation by reducing tariffs and other trade barriers and has created new opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs on both sides. The bilateral relationship was upgraded to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2022 Today, South Korea stands as one of Canada’s most important trading partners in the Asia-Pacific region, with trade volumes continuing to expand across many sectors.

In the realm of security and defence cooperation, Canada and South Korea are committed partners in promoting peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. Both countries have participated in joint military exercises, peacekeeping operations and security dialogues aimed at addressing shared security challenges, including regional tensions and non‑proliferation efforts.

Our cooperation in those areas underscores our shared commitment to upholding international peace and security, and promoting a rules-based international order.

This strong bond of cooperation was forged in fire during the communist invasion of South Korea in 1950 when North Korean forces crossed the thirty-eighth parallel, igniting the Korean War. Canada was among the first nations to commit military support on the seas, in the air, on the hills and in the valleys to uphold peace and defend South Korea from the aggression of the communist north. The sacrifices made by Canadians during the Korean War and during the peacekeeping years that followed, including the ultimate sacrifice of giving their lives, will be forever remembered and honoured by the people of Korea and Canada alike.

Beyond military contributions, Canada provided humanitarian aid and support to alleviate the suffering of Korean civilians affected by the war. Canadian medical personnel served in field hospitals, providing critical care to wounded soldiers and civilians alike.

As we look to the future, the Canada-Korea partnership holds immense potential for further growth and collaboration, whether it’s addressing global challenges, advancing innovation and technology or promoting sustainable development. Our two nations are poised to work together to tackle the pressing issues of our time.

I want to take a moment to shed light on the importance of recognizing cultures through designated heritage months. In our increasingly diverse societies, where people from various backgrounds coexist and contribute to the tapestry of our communities, it’s crucial to celebrate and honour the rich cultural heritage of different ethnic groups. Heritage months provide us with the valuable opportunity to do just that. One of the key benefits of celebrating a heritage month is the promotion of cultural diversity and cultural pride. When individuals see their cultural heritage being acknowledged and celebrated on a broader scale, it instills a sense of pride and belonging within the community. It validates their identity and reaffirms the importance of their cultural heritage in shaping who they are.

Heritage months also play a crucial role in preserving and promoting cultural heritage for future generations. By showcasing the rich history, language, art, music and cuisine of different cultures, heritage months inspire younger generations to learn about their heritage and take pride in their cultural roots. This intergenerational transmission of cultural knowledge ensures that traditions are passed down and preserved for years to come.

Honourable senators, the Korean-Canadian community is a shining example of the richness and diversity of Canada’s multicultural mosaic. Through their entrepreneurship, cultural contributions and community engagement, Korean Canadians enrich our society, strengthen our community and inspire us to embrace the values of diversity, inclusion and mutual respect.

As we celebrate the achievements and contributions of the Korean-Canadian community, let us reaffirm our commitment to building a more inclusive, equitable and welcoming Canada for all. Thank you, gamsahamnida.