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Hon. Dr. Vivienne Poy

People, East Asian, Politics and Law, Profiles

Senator Vivienne Poy

The Honourable Dr. Vivienne Poy, PhD University of Toronto, is an author, entrepreneur, historian, fashion designer, and community volunteer. In 1998, she was the first Canadian of Asian descent to be appointed to the Senate of Canada where she focused on gender issues, multiculturalism, immigration, and human rights, and was instrumental in having May recognized as Asian Heritage Month across Canada. After her retirement from the Senate of Canada in September 2012, she continues to be actively involved with communities across Canada.

She is Chancellor Emerita of the University of Toronto, member of the Board of ORBIS (Canada), Member of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights National Advisory Council, Hon. Co-chair "For All Canadians" - Canadian Blood Services, Hon. Patron of Chinese Canadian Historical Project - Simon Fraser University, Hon. Chair of Advisory Committee of "Hong Kong-Canada Crosscurrents Project, 1962-2012," Advisor to the Pacific Canada Heritage Centre - Museum of Migration Society, Member of the Advisory Committee of Journal of Modern Life-Writing Study, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, National Chair of the Chinese Canadian Campaign for Breaking the Silence Gallery in the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, and Hon. Patron of ExplorASIAN Festival.

She has received numerous honorary degrees and professorship from universities in Canada, USA, China, Hong Kong and South Korea, as well as many honours and awards.

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Speeches in Atlantic Canada

People, All Asian, Editorials & Essays, Advocacy, Asian Heritage, Events

Vivienne Poy's speeches to Asian Canadian organizations in the Atlantic region in 2008.

Asian Heritage Society of New Brunswick Gala speech

Calling Canada Home | Creating a sense of belonging through community activism

Asian Heritage Month Lecture, Prince Edward Island