This enactment designates the month of October as “Hungarian Heritage Month”.

Preamble

Whereas Hungarian immigrants first arrived in Canada in the late 19th century, greatly contributed to the country’s development and continue to enrich our nation through their social, economic, academic and cultural achievements;

Whereas more than 10,000 Hungarians came to Canada after the Nazi invasion of 1944 and the end of World War II, including many Hungarian Jews who survived the Holocaust and large numbers of displaced people, and tens of thousands more arrived following the Hungarian Uprising of October 23, 1956;

Whereas the Hungarian Revolution of October 1956 was a courageous fight for freedom, democracy and human rights that inspired all Canadians;

Whereas Canada and Hungary established diplomatic relations on June 11, 1964, and this anniversary is an occasion to celebrate over half a century of friendship between the two countries;

Whereas today Canada is home to more than 350,000 people of Hungarian and Magyar descent, as well as Hungarian-speaking immigrants from other areas of Europe, including Transylvania;

And whereas Parliament wishes to recognize the outstanding contributions that Hungarian Canadians have made in all aspects of Canadian society, including in business, science, education, philanthropy, athletics and the arts;

Now, therefore, His Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate and House of Commons of Canada, enacts as follows: