As part of Canada’s Asian Heritage Month celebrations, the Canadian Multicultural Council (CMC) held its Asian Heritage Month Recognition Gala on May 2 at Casa Deluz Banquet Hall in Scarborough. More than 500 guests from diverse cultural communities attended the event, where Venerable Chueh Fan, Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto, received the “2026 Outstanding Asian Canadian Community Contribution Award,” becoming the first Buddhist nun to receive the honour.

Venerable Chueh Fan shared that the recognition belongs not only to herself, but also to Fo Guang Shan, the temple community, and the many volunteers and devotees who have served society with compassion over the past three decades.

Founded in 1998, the Canadian Multicultural Council brings together Asian Canadian organizations representing more than 20 countries and regions, including Japan, Korea, India, Taiwan, and the Philippines, with the mission of promoting intercultural understanding and social harmony. This year’s gala received congratulatory messages from Prime Minister Mark Carney, Senator Yonah Martin, and representatives from all three levels of government. Thirteen individuals from fields including philanthropy, education, engineering, and the arts were recognized for their contributions to community well-being and newcomer support.

Originally from Malaysia, Venerable Chueh Fan previously served at Hsi Lai Temple and Fo Guang Shan Guang Ming Temple in the United States. Nominated through the Malaysian Association of Canada upon the recommendation of Honorary Consul Henry Lee, she was recognized for promoting interfaith harmony and Humanistic Buddhism in Canada. The nomination also highlighted the establishment of the Institute for Humanistic Buddhist Thought and Practice at the University of Toronto at Trinity College, University of Toronto, advancing academic research, public education, and cross-cultural dialogue.

In her acceptance remarks, Venerable Chueh Fan reflected, “Glory belongs to the Buddha; achievement belongs to the community,” expressing gratitude to generations of Buddha’s Light members whose dedication made the achievement possible.

CMC Chair Melinda Manlapaz emphasized that Canada’s strength lies in its diversity and shared unity. Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti, and several councillors also attended to recognize the contributions of Asian Canadian communities to Canadian society.

Kevin Cao, President of BLIA Toronto Chapter, led a delegation of 20 executives and members to attend the ceremony. He expressed hopes that, under Venerable Chueh Fan’s leadership, Humanistic Buddhism would continue to inspire compassion, harmony, and positive contributions within the wider community.

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