Five major Asian communities in Montreal have joined forces to launch a new alliance aimed at strengthening visibility and recognition during Asian Heritage Month.
Representatives from Cambodian, Chinese, Filipino, Laotian and Vietnamese organizations announced Tuesday the creation of the Alliance of Montreal Asians for Prosperity and Inclusion (AMAPI). The group brings together organizations including the Chinese Association of Montreal and Communauté vietnamienne du Canada – région de Montréal, along with support from the Centre for Research-Action on Race Relations.
“Asian Heritage Month is a time to amplify the heartbeat of our community,” said Jimmy Chan. “This is more than a dateon a calendar. It is a deeply personal occasion — a chance for our community to keep a vibrantculture alive for the next generation. It is an opportunity to reclaim our public spaces in which we formlasting intergenerational and multicultural bonds. Asian Heritage Month calls on us to remember theancestors who shaped who we are today — to protect what they built, and to keep our heritage,especially Chinatown, shining for generations to come, in honor of our ancestors, and in pride of whowe are.”
The alliance says it was formed in response to what it describes as limited government support and funding for Asian Heritage Month activities, despite the significant presence of Asian communities in the region.
According to census data, more than 200,000 people from these communities, along with Japanese and Korean residents, live in the greater Montreal area, making them one of the largest racialized groups in the city.
“For the first time, our five communities are coming together as one – united by the belief that as acollective, we are stronger, more resilient, and impossible to ignore,” said Manh Nguyen. “As Asians living in Quebec, weproudly uphold values of family, freedom, entrepreneurship, sacrifice, and resilience – the principlesthat not only shaped who we are, but the future we are building. We are not just a presence, we area force. Whether 150,000 or 220,000 strong, our collective voice carries weight across social, culturaleconomic, and political spheres. We are here to shape the future of Montreal and Quebec, makingthe future more dynamic, more innovative, and more prosperous for generations to come. United inpurpose, we are building a future filled with opportunity, pride, and possibility – for all.”
Organizers say the coalition will host a dozen cultural and community events across Montreal, Laval and Longueuil, highlighting Asian heritage and promoting inclusion and representation.
They also point to ongoing concerns about underrepresentation in sectors such as law, politics and media, as well as challenges facing historic areas like Chinatown Montreal.
Full programming details are expected to be released April 30, marking Journey to Freedom Day, ahead of a month of activities celebrating Asian culture and contributions across the region.
