Speeches – 2008

The Honourable Jason Kenney

11^th Annual Chinese New Year Gala of the Confederation of Greater Toronto Chinese Business Association - Celebrating the Year of the Rat

Toronto, Ontario, February 16, 2008

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Nee How. (Hello in Mandarin)

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.

Let me begin by saying that I am very pleased to be here with you this evening for the 11^th Annual Chinese New Year Gala in celebration of the Year of the Rat.  Gung Hai Fat Choi /Happy New Year!

Events such as these are a wonderful opportunity to learn from each other and to experience our differences while celebrating 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.  This evening' s Chinese New Year Gala 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.

The Government of Canada understands that a vibrant economy requires the participation of all Canadians.  We appreciate initiatives and organizations that give Canadians an opportunity to participate fully in society. 

I would like to take this opportunity to commend everyone involved with the Confederation of the Greater Toronto Chinese Business Association on the valuable support that you provide to the community.

You have established a strong association that has been instrumental in developing and facilitating business and social connections among members of the Chinese community and beyond.

In closing, I want to thank the Confederation of the Greater Toronto Chinese Business Association for inviting me to be part of this celebration.

I wish you every success in the coming year, and I hope that you enjoy the rest of the festivities. 

Happy New Year.