On June 21, 2018, Parliament passed a law designating October as Latin American Heritage Month, in recognition of the significant contribution that the Latin American community has made to the social, economic, political and cultural fabric of Canada.

This October marks the first time the Defence Team is officially celebrating Latin American Heritage Month (LAHM). This presents us with an opportunity to recognize the Latin American community within the Defence Team and showcase the richness and vitality of Latin American culture and heritage.

The Defence Team continues to encourage initiatives that support the creation of a welcoming and fair work environment for all its members. To take full advantage of the ethnic and cultural diversity of Canada’s population, we strive to be an inclusive work force, representative of Canadian society.

That is why we have developed the Canadian Armed Forces Diversity Strategy, as well as various other human resource strategies which place an unprecedented focus on diversity and gender equality to strengthen the entire Defence Team.

I encourage Commanders and Defence Team leaders to seek advice on planning activities for Latin American Heritage Month from their local Defence Visible Minority Advisory Group and Employment Equity staff members.

Wishing our Latin American Defence Team members happy celebrations.

Vice-Admiral H. Edmundson, Commander Military Personnel Command and Defence Champion for visible minorities

Vice Admiral Haydn C. Edmundson

Commander Military Personnel Command

National Defence / Government of Canada

[email protected] / Tel: 613-901-8784 / CSN: 225-8784