Speeches – 2008

The Honourable Jason Kenney

2008 Interactive Series: Korea-Canada Relations

Speeches – 2008

The Honourable Jason Kenney

Coquitlam, British Columbia
January 18, 2008

CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It' s a pleasure to be here today.

I want to commend everyone involved with the National Unification Advisory Council on your efforts to achieve a peaceful unification of the Korean peninsula. Canada definitely supports this goal.

As well, I want to thank the Council for inviting me to participate in this interactive series on Korea– Canada relations. I am very pleased to be taking part in today' s discussions.

Canada and Korea share a long history and relations, and Canadian activities in the Korean peninsula actually date back to 1888. At that time, missionary James Scarth Gale, of Toronto, was first sent to Korea. He is responsible for many firsts, including creating the first Korean– English dictionary, the first Korean translation of the Christian Bible, and the first English-language history of Korea.

Subsequently, noted scholar and philanthropist Dr. Oliver Avison founded the Severance hospital in Seoul, as well as the medical college which became Yonsei University.

And Dr. Francis Schofield, from Guelph, became a national hero in Korea for his brave participation in the 1919 Independence Movement against Japanese colonial rule.

Following World War II, Canada participated in the joint supervision of the elections undertaken by the United Nations Commission in South Korea in 1947.

In the 1950s, more than 25,000 Canadian troops participated in the Korean War and our continuing presence on the UN Armistice Commission and the UN Military Command is a reminder of our involvement in that war.

Canada is proud of its strong and dynamic relationship with the Republic of Korea.

In 2003, our countries celebrated the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations. The multi-million dollar construction of the new Canadian chancery, which began in December 2003, shows the importance we place on our relationship with Korea.

This relationship has been enriched considerably by the presence of the Korean community in Canada. Today, more than 100,000 Canadians of Korean origin live in this country and contribute significantly to our society.

For example, the Korean-Canadian Symphony Orchestra has been delighting audiences for some 30 years.

The renowned Wonny Song has done a wonderful job of presenting Canadian diversity to audiences in Canada and abroad. She has performed as a soloist with the Montreal Symphony, the Toronto Symphony, the National Arts Centre Orchestra, as well as playing at the Canadian Embassy in Washington.

Korean Canadians are also part of the effort to help open the North to western influences. Vancouver soprano Gina Oh and Toronto pianist Jeanie Chung are scheduled to travel to Pyongyang next month to perform for North Korean leader Kim Hon-il and other political leaders at the North Korean international music festival.

Canadians of Korean heritage have made an important contribution to the Canada of today in many areas, including the arts and sciences.

The distinctive Korean culture and traditions that have been brought to Canada by immigrants have enriched the social and cultural diversity of our communities with new ideas and perspectives.

Canada' s diversity is one of this country' s greatest assets, and the Government of Canada is committed to strengthening Canada' s national cohesion through pluralism within a shared Canadian identity.

The fundamental values that Canadians embrace are democracy, freedom, human rights, and the rule of law. Our Government considers these values to be an important part of Canada' s diverse heritage, and they definitely guide all of my efforts as Secretary of State for Multiculturalism and Canadian Identity.

I believe the tradition of respect for differences and for human dignity that we enjoy as Canadians inspires our involvement as global citizens.

In closing, I want to once again thank the Council for inviting me today, and to say that I look forward to today' s discussion about relations between our two countries.

Thank you.