British Columbia – North America’s Asian Province
Photos were taken during the Olympic Torch Relay community celebrations in British Columbia January-February, 2010.
Did you know that British Columbia has the highest proportion of its population claiming Asian ancestry in the world – outside of the continent of Asia itself?
This fact often catches visitors by surprise, but those of us who call British Columbia home think nothing of it. And why not? We are very proud our province’s ethnic diversity.
According to the latest Canadian Census numbers, 22 per cent or 900,000 British Columbians are of Asian ancestry – and this number is growing.
In Vancouver, the influence of Asian-Canadian communities is everywhere – Korean restaurants on Robson Street., the Punjabi Market on Main Street, North America’s second largest Chinatown, and a thriving Persian community on the North Shore.
British Columbia’s Asian composition is also reflected in this year’s Olympic Winter Games. Two dozen countries from Asia are competing in 2010 – and they are being cheered-on by their respective British Columbia-based Diaspora.
The Economist magazine has ranked Vancouver as “The World’s Most Liveable” city. A part of this distinction is due to B.C.’s strong multiethnic composition. After all, where can one eat dim sum at brunch, sit down for a Korean barbeque for dinner, followed up by Gulab Jamun as a late night dessert?
British Columbia long ago claimed the gold medal in vibrancy and diversity – but we don’t mind sharing this honour one bit.
In fact, we would be remiss if we failed to show-off our multicultural province and strong Asian-Canadian communities to the world during 2010.
Did you know?
Saturday, February 20 is Multicultural Day at the 2010 Winter Games. Robson Square is the place to be. See Related Links section.
