Senator Yonah Martin

Senator Martin said it's important to recognize the contributions of Korean War vets. Since the ceasefire, Canada has established strong relations with the Republic of Korea that continue today and people should know how Canadian soldiers stood by the Korean people. Even some Koreans need to be educated, she said, because many don't know of Canada's participation, which was the third largest of the UN forces, although they are well aware of the American contributions.

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OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Sept. 28, 2010) - The Honourable Yonah Martin, Senator for British Columbia, on behalf of the Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Minister of State (Agriculture), today attended the Recapture of Seoul Ceremony at Gyeong-Bok Palace in Seoul, Korea.

"My heritage allows me to understand how Canadian and United Nations Allied Veterans are honoured and so well respected in Korea," said Senator Martin. "Canadians served in Korea on land, in the air and on the sea. We have a sacred duty to remember and pay tribute to all who fought to defend the freedoms South Koreans and Canadians enjoy today."

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OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Sept. 24, 2010) - The Honourable Yonah Martin, Senator for British Columbia, on behalf of the Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Minister of State (Agriculture), will attend events in Korea, this week, in honour of Canadian soldiers who fought and laid down their lives during the Korean War. As part of the Republic of Korea's efforts to commemorate the 60^th anniversary of the beginning of the Korean War, Senator Martin will attend the Recapture of Seoul Ceremony.

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NEW WESTMINSTER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - July 14, 2010) - Thanks to support from the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia, individuals with mental illnesses or addictions who are homeless or at risk of homelessness will be able to benefit from new safe housing. Senator Yonah Martin, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, and Mr. Harry Bloy, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Burnaby–Lougheed, made the announcement today.

"Our government is giving a hand-up to Canadians with housing needs, and is helping those seeking to break free from the cycle of homelessness and poverty," said Senator Martin. "We are pleased to work with the Fraserside Community Services Society to help the Society provide these important services to fight homelessness in New Westminster."

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BURNABY, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - July 8, 2010) - Thanks to support from the Government of Canada, young Aboriginal mothers will continue to be able to benefit from a transitional housing facility in the Burnaby area. Senator Yonah Martin made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.

"Our government is giving a hand-up to Canadians with housing needs, and is helping those seeking to break free of the cycle of homelessness and poverty here in Burnaby," said Senator Martin. "Through this investment, Aunt Leah's Society will be able to continue to provide transitional housing, and expand existing support services, to help young Aboriginal mothers who are homeless or at risk of homelessness achieve independent living."

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OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - June 20, 2010) - The Honourable Senator Yonah Martin, on behalf of the Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Minister of State (Agriculture), participated in a ceremony of remembrance and wreath laying today at the National War Memorial to commemorate the 57^th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice. His Excellency Chan-Ho Ha, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Canada, was also in attendance to show his appreciation for the Canadian contribution to the war. 

"As with the two world wars that preceded Korea, Canadians volunteered for military service far from home. Our contribution to the multi-national force that was dispatched to aid South Korea was larger, in proportion to our population, than most other UN countries," said Senator Martin. "Throughout Canada's brief history, the courage and valour shown by Canadian soldiers on far-off shores, such as Korea and Afghanistan, are testament to our nation's commitment to peace in the world."

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OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - June 18, 2010) - Yesterday, the Senate of Canada adopted at Third Reading Bill C-268, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (minimum sentence for offences involving trafficking of persons under the age of eighteen years). The legislation will now be sent to the Governor General of Canada for Royal Assent.

Bill C-268 will amend Canada's Criminal Code to introduce a new human trafficking offence specifically addressing child traffickers. The new law will provide a minimum sentence of five years imprisonment for anyone convicted of trafficking a minor in Canada and a minimum of six years imprisonment for cases with aggravating factors.

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OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - June 9, 2010) - Senator Yonah Martin and the Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Minister of State (Agriculture), today welcomed 50 new Canadians and their families at a special citizenship ceremony commemorating the 60^th anniversary of the start of the Korean War. Senator Martin attended the ceremony on behalf of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney.

The ceremony was presided over by Commodore H.W. Jung, Surgeon General of the Canadian Forces, Commander of Canadian Forces Health Services Group, and one of the Forces' highest-ranking Asian Canadians.

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NEW WESTMINSTER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - April 23, 2010) - Local youth who face barriers to employment will get job-preparation training and work experience through the Government of Canada's support for an employment project. Senator Yonah Martin made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.

"In today's environment, it is more important than ever that youth develop the skills they need to participate and succeed in the job market," said Senator Martin. "By supporting this project, we are helping New Westminster youth develop the skills, knowledge and work experience they need to reach their full potential."

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VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Jan. 23, 2010) - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, the Honourable Yonah Martin, Senator (British Columbia), today attended the official opening of the newly expanded facilities of the University of British Columbia Museum of Anthropology.

"Our Government is proud to have contributed to this redevelopment project, which has greatly expanded access to treasures from the Museum's extensive Northwest Coast Aboriginal collections," said Minister Moore. "The enhanced research, storage, and exhibition spaces have transformed the Museum of Anthropology into one of the world's leading cultural institutions."

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BURNABY, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Jan. 22, 2010) - Adults with disabilities who have low literacy will benefit from a federally funded project aimed at expanding access to literacy and essential skills training. Senator Yonah Martin made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.

"Our government strongly supports partnerships with organizations like the Neil Squire Society to improve the literacy and vocational skills that disabled Canadians require to help them get jobs and build better futures," said Senator Martin. "In today's economic environment, it is more important than ever that all Canadians have the skills they need to participate in the job market."

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