June As the End of This Current Parliament Comes to a Close and We Rise for the Summer and the Fall Election That Awaits Us All
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THE HONOURABLE YONAH MARTIN S e n a t e N e w s l e t t e r J u n e 1 s t , 2 0 1 9 http://yonahmartin.sencanada.ca/ Senate of Canada ASIAN HERITAGE HOLD HIGH THE BULGARIA DAY MONTH TORCH LUNCHEON ON THE HILL SENATOR'S MESSAGE Sincere greetings from Ottawa! Salutations d’Ottawa! 오타와에서 인사드립니다! Throughout the month of May, there were events celebrating the accomplishments of Asian Canadians throughout Canadian history, as well as special events that brought people together to share stories, discuss relevant topics, network and be inspired. It was also a time to reflect on the pioneering Asian Canadians across our country who paved the way for others to pursue their dreams and reach their potential. Congratulations to my dedicated staff Grace Seear, Kristin Doyle and Grace Lee for becoming honorary members of KVA Unit 7 in the presence of our beloved veterans. It was also an honour for me to be named an Honorary ROTCian at the 2019 ROTC North America Conference in Calgary, AB. In the Senate of Canada, we had a very busy legislative schedule in May, and anticipate longer sittings in June as the end of this current Parliament comes to a close and we rise for the summer and the fall election that awaits us all. As always, my staff and I thank you for your continued support and look forward to serving you to the best of our abilities. - Senator Yonah Martin ASIAN HERITAGE MONTH Ottawa, ON On May 10th, Senator Martin co-hosted the Voices in Action Breakfast with the Ottawa Asian Heritage Month Society and the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board. Three distinguished panelists were invited to share their experiences on this year’s theme Embracing Diversity. Grade 11 and 12 students from six neighbouring highschools were invited to this breakfast event. Senator Martin delivered opening remarks on behalf of the Senate of Canada. On May 14th, Senator Martin co-hosted the Asian Heritage Month Reception with several parliamentary colleagues in partnership with the Ottawa Japanese Community Association, Canada Japan Society of Ottawa, Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers, Asian Law Students Society, County of Carleton Law Association Diversity Committee, and Ottawa Asian Heritage Month Society. Approximately, 200 guests were in attendance to view a special screening of Justice Maryka Omatsu’s short film, “Swimming Upstream” and participate in a dialogue on Justice Omatsu’s advocacy work on British Columbia’s Redress Campaign for Japanese Canadians. At the end of the month, Senator Martin attended the Conference on the Human Rights Situation in Vietnam organized by Sen. Ngo as well as participate as a panelist at the Asian-Canadian Leaders in Public Service event organized by Global Affairs Canada. Click here to see the full gallery. HOLD HIGH THE TORCH LUNCHEON Cloverdale, BC On May 11th, Senator Martin attended the inaugural Cloverdale Veterans Appreciation Luncheon hosted by Hold High the Torch at the Ecole Salish Secondary School. As the keynote speaker, Senator Martin talked about her love of the Korea War Veterans and the importance in remembering Canada’s role during the Korea War 1950-53 and during the UN peacekeeping years. All the tables were filled with veterans and their families, dignitaries, community supporters and students. There was a delicious buffet lunch, entertainment and heartfelt speeches over the course of the event. The student led initiative to honour veterans and their legacies was a huge success. Kudos to the dedicated students of Hold High the Torch for their sincere dedication and tremendous effort! Click here to see the full gallery. BULGARIA DAY ON THE HILL Ottawa, ON On May 30th, the Canada-Bulgaria Interparliamentary Friendship Group (CBIFG) co-hosted the 2nd Annual Bulgaria Day on Parliament Hill with the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in partnership with the Bulgarian Community of the National Capital Region, to celebrate Bulgarian Education, Culture and Slavic Script Day. As Co-Chairs of the CBIFG, Sen. Martin and MP Joe Peschisolido delivered opening remarks, along with Her Excellency Svetlana Stoycheva-Etropolski, Ambassador of Bulgaria and Stela Totev, President of the Bulgarian community. Among the distinguished guests in attendance were parliamentarians and staff, diplomats and members of the Ottawa community. The event featured traditional music and dance performances from members of the local community. To conclude the evening, Senator Martin invited guests to the Senate Chamber for a tour and special remarks. Click here to view the full gallery. MAY IN PHOTOS Click here to view the full gallery. SPECIAL LINKS The Hon. Andrew Scheer’s "Vision for Canada" Speech Third Reading Speech for Bill C-81 Third Reading Speech for Bill C-71 CKIFG Statement on the Boating Tragedy in Hungary Statement on the Royal Canadian Legion Post 144 JUNE CALENDAR June 1: Korean War Veterans Association Dinner (Burnaby, BC) June 4: Air Force Day on Parliament Hill (Ottawa, ON) June 5: Speaker of the Senate’s Annual BBQ (Ottawa, ON) June 6: Meeting with BC Legislative Interns (Ottawa, ON) June 8: Rose of Sharon Care Society’s Annual Yard Sale (Burnaby, BC) / Korean War Commemorative Alliance Meeting (Burnaby, BC) / Amenida Visit (Surrey, BC) / Vancouver Arts Carnival Banquet (Vancouver, BC) June 12: Philippine Independence Day Celebration on the Hill (Ottawa, ON) / Garden Party at Stornoway (Ottawa, ON) June 13: The 8th Annual Canada-Korea Dialogue Series (Ottawa, ON) June 14: Burnaby South Riding Association Event (Burnaby, BC) June 16: Father’s Day June 22: Welcoming Ceremony for Veterans & Dinner hosted by Sae Eden Church (Senate of Canada Building, Ottawa, ON) June 23: Korea Day Ceremony & Luncheon hosted by the Embassy (Ottawa, ON) / Meeting with Federation of Korean-Canadian Associations (Ottawa, ON) / The 7th Annual Canada-Korea Economic Forum with United Korean Commerce & Industry Association of Canada (Ottawa, ON) June 25: 69th Anniversary of the Korea War Ceremonies (Various Regions) / Ceremony & Lunch for Veterans (Vancouver, BC) STAFF DIRECTORY Grace Seear Kristin Doyle Grace Lee Chief of Staff Parliamentary Affairs Advisor Executive Assistant [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Ed Sem Ashley Seo Regional Assistant Parliamentary Assistant [email protected] [email protected] OFFICE OF THE HON. YONAH MARTIN | SENATE OF CANADA BUILDING | OTTAWA, ON | K1A 0A4| 613-947-4078| [email protected] | HTTP://YONAHMARTIN.SENCANADA.CA.