The Government of Canada Recognizes the National Historic Significance of the Introduction of Multilingual Multicultural Radio Stations in Canada
News release
June 16, 2018 Toronto, Ontario Parks Canada Agency
In 1962, the Canadian government opened the door to multilingual radio stations by increasing the amount of language that was not French or English from 15 to 40 percent. Soon after, Polish-Canadian Casimir Stanczykowski received the first licence for a multicultural radio station: CFMB in Montréal. Four years later, Italian-Canadian Johnny Lombardi founded his own multicultural station: CHIN Radio in Toronto.
Today, Mr. Arif Virani, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage (Multiculturalism) and Member of Parliament for Parkdale — High Park, commemorated the importance of the Introduction of Multilingual Multicultural Radio Stations in Canada as an event of national historic significance at a special ceremony in Toronto on behalf of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Catherine McKenna.
The Introduction of Multilingual Multicultural Radio Stations marked an important shift in radio programming in Canada in the 1960s. They offered valuable information to newcomers about life in Canada while preserving aspects of their own heritage. By ensuring new Canadians had a voice in the community, multilingual and multicultural radio helped define Canada’s unique approach to multiculturalism.
The Government of Canada is celebrating diversity with free admission for one year for new Canadian citizens to all Parks Canada places through the Institute for Canadian Citizenship’s Cultural Access Pass Program. This enables newcomers to more easily discover nature and connect with Canada’s rich and varied history.
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Quotes
“The Government of Canada is pleased to commemorate the historic significance of the Introduction of Multilingual Multicultural Radio Stations in Canada that gave Canada’s growing immigrant population in the 1960s a public voice. The creation of these new stations were key in helping newcomers connect with their new communities, while also preserving and celebrating their heritage. The Government of Canada is committed to connecting Canadians to the significant people, places and events that shaped our country’s history, and I encourage all Canadians to take this opportunity to learn more about the important role of multilingual multicultural radio stations in our country's history.”
Mr. Arif Virani,
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage (Multiculturalism) and Member of Parliament for Parkdale — High Park
Quick facts
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Prior to 1962, Canadian radio stations could be classified as English, French, or bilingual English-French. Although these stations could offer programming in other languages, the limit was 15 percent per week. In 1962, the limit was increased to 40 percent.
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A gift to each Canadian citizen during their first year of citizenship, the Cultural Access Pass provides complimentary admission to more than 1000 of Canada’s treasures from coast to coast, including Parks Canada’s places.
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National historic designations commemorate all aspects of Canada's history, both positive and negative. Designations can recall moments of greatness and triumph or cause us to contemplate the complex and challenging moments that helped define Canada today. By sharing these stories with Canadians, we hope to foster better understanding and open discussions on Canada’s history.
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Created in 1919, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada advises the Minister of Environment and Climate Change regarding the national historic significance of places, people, and events that have marked Canada’s history.
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Contacts
Brett Levitt
Communications Officer, Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada Program
Southwestern Ontario Field Unit
Parks Canada
brett.levitt@pc.gc.ca
289-969-3279
Media Relations
Parks Canada Agency
855-862-1812
pc.media@pc.gc.ca
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