Speeches – 2008

The Honourable Jason Kenney

Dedication and Anniversary Ceremony to celebrate the expansion of Richmond Hill Chinese Community Church

Richmond Hill, Ontario, February 16, 2008

CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY

Good Evening, everyone,
Nee How. (Hello in Mandarin),

It is a great pleasure for me to be with all of you today to celebrate the expansion of the Richmond Hill Chinese Community Church.

Let me begin by commending everyone involved in making the expansion of this church a reality. Over 30 years, the members of your community have been helping bring people together in worship. 

And thanks to their hard work and dedication, the Richmond Hill Chinese Community Church has become one of the largest Chinese houses of worship in North America. 

As Secretary of State for Multiculturalism and Canadian Identity, I am proud to live in a country that embraces many cultures and religions. 

The Government of Canada 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. 

Today' s event celebrating the expansion of your church is certainly an excellent example of this.

This is what our Government means when it talks about pluralism. It' s not only about respecting diversity.  It is about actively participating.  And learning about each other and 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 have made to the social, economic, and political fabric of this country.

And we definitely recognize the valuable contribution of the Chinese community to Canada.  People of Chinese heritage have long enriched this country with their skills, knowledge, and talents, and our society benefits greatly.

I am delighted to have this opportunity to join you in celebration, and to recognize the value of your engagement with the community.

And your efforts are greatly appreciated.

In closing, let me take this opportunity to wish you every success. 

Thank you.