The Journey to Freedom Day Act is an Act recognizing April 30 of every year as a national day of commemoration of the exodus of Vietnamese refugees and their acceptance in Canada after the fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975. This legislation introduced by Senator Ngo will focus the attention of all Canadians on the perilous journey to freedom made by millions of refugees after the fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975. Journey to Freedom Day commemorates this mass exodus and provides a vibrant Vietnamese-Canadian community with the opportunity to recognize the fundamental role that Canadians played in rescuing and welcoming thousands of refugees after the Vietnam War.

Quite simply, The Journey to Freedom Day Act designates April 30 of each year as Journey to Freedom Day in order to:

  1. Mark the tragic events surrounding the exodus of Vietnamese refugees in search of freedom;
  2. Pay tribute to all Canadians who rose to the challenge and welcomed thousands of refugees with open arms; and
  3. Celebrate the incredible contributions that Vietnamese refugees have now made to building our great country.

To read more on the History of the Boat people Click Here.


Please click on the cover to view and download the full Journey to Freedom Day Act in English or the hyperlink for the English-Vietnamese Translation of the act

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Legislative Process

Senate proceedings:

House of commons proceedings:

  • Second reading and vote ENG
  • Standing COMMITTEE on Canadian Heritage ENG
  • Third reading ENG

House of Commons:

The Journey to Freedom Day Act Debate, 2nd Reading in the House of Commons, February 5th, 2015

The Journey to Freedom Day Act, 2nd Hour in the House of Commons, March 23, 2015

Votes for the 2nd reading of the Journey to Freedom Day Act and referred to the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage, March 25, 2015

Report stage, 3rd reading of the Journey to Freedom Day Act, April 22, 2015