Since 2000, December 18 has been International Migrants Day, an international holiday created by the UN to recognize the value of immigration.
Yesterday, three ministers issued a statement in celebration of the holiday, citing the two agreements Canada signed in December — the Global Compact on Refugees and the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration — designed to inspire more cooperation from the international community to ensure that the needs of immigrants are addressed. These agreements are part of Canada’s ongoing commitment to recognizing the value of diversity.
The statement notes, “Diversity and migration are part of our national identity and a source of strength and social cohesion. On this International Migrants Day, Canada remains committed to working with the United Nations and other partners, at home and abroad, to make migration work for all and meet our common goal of a safer, more inclusive and prosperous world.”