Speeches - 2008
The Honourable Jason Kenney
The 25th Silver Anniversary Grand Gala of Multicultural Society of Pakistani Canadians
Thornhill, Ontario, March 8, 2008
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Good evening, ladies and gentlemen,
I am delighted to take part in the Multicultural Society of Pakistani Canadians' 25th Silver Anniversary Grand Gala.
Let me begin by saying that Canada' s dynamic and diverse communities enrich our lives tremendously.
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 silver anniversary celebration is an excellent example of this. Events such as this provide a wonderful opportunity to learn from each other, and to experience our differences while celebrating our common Canadian identity.
The Government of Canada recognizes the valuable contribution of the Pakistani community to Canadian society.
In fact, we need look no further than the wonderful work the Multicultural Society of Pakistani Canadians has accomplished – your humanitarian efforts as well as your ongoing work to promote diversity and welcome newcomers to Canadian society.
It' s great to witness such a committed and dedicated group of Canadians who clearly see links between their Canadian citizenship, their civic participation, and their commitment to maintaining a connection with their cultural heritage.
The Pakistanis' presence in Canada dates back more than 50 years. Pakistanis began migrating to Canada in small numbers in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Despite challenges, the Pakistani people have integrated admirably throughout Canada. Today, more than 75,000 people of Pakistani origin live in Canada and make significant contributions to this country.
Canada has an enviable record of integrating newcomers by encouraging cultural diversity, and we must continue to pursue this ideal. One of the cornerstones of our pluralistic society is that all citizens benefit from equality under the law, regardless of their cultural or religious background.
I applaud the work you do to reach out and engage your community. By building bridges with other communities across this country, you contribute tremendously to making Canada a better place to live and learn, and your efforts are greatly appreciated.
In closing, I wish you every success and hope that you enjoy the rest of your evening.