Speeches – 2008

The Honourable Jason Kenney

Celebration of 2008 New Year and 15^th Anniversary of Taiwan Entrepreneurs Society Taipei /Toronto

Markham, Ontario
January 12, 2008

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Nee How. (Hello in Mandarin)

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.

I am very pleased to be here with you this evening to celebrate both the 2008 New Year and the 15^th anniversary of the Taiwan Entrepreneurs Society Taipei/Toronto.  

Events such as these are a wonderful opportunity to learn from each other, and to celebrate our common Canadian identity.

As Secretary of State for Multiculturalism and Canadian Identity, I am proud to live in a country that embraces many cultures. Our Government considers Canada's diversity to be one of our greatest assets, and we are committed to strengthening our pluralism and our national cohesion. 

Our core Canadian values are democracy, freedom, human rights and the rule of law.  The more than 200,000 people who come to Canada annually from every corner of the world embrace these values, adding an often indefinable element to our sense of who we are.

Our Government recognizes the valuable contribution of the Taiwanese-Canadian community to Canada and its economy.

People of Taiwanese heritage have enriched Canada with their skills, knowledge, and talents, and our society benefits greatly.

It is my great pleasure to congratulate the Taiwan Entrepreneurs Society Taipei/Toronto on 15 years of operation.

I applaud your efforts to develop a strong, well structured organization that enhances business opportunities and friendships within the Taiwanese-Canadian community and within other communities as well.

That is what our Government means when it talks about pluralism.  It's not only about respecting diversity.  It's about actively participating and learning about each other, and about how to work together to form a strong and cohesive Canada.

The Government of Canada takes great pride in the contributions that all of the various communities in Canada have made to the social, economic, and political fabric of this country. 

We consider Canada's diversity to be one of our greatest assets.

I want to thank the Taiwan Entrepreneurs Society Taipei/Toronto for inviting me to this celebration, and commend the leaders and staff of this organization on the support they provide to the community.

Congratulations on 15 successful years, and Happy New Year!