Speeches – 2008

The Honourable Jason Kenney

Canadian–Croatian Chamber of Commerce’s Sixth Annual Business Excellence Awards Gala

Mississauga, Ontario, April 18, 2008

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I am pleased to be here in Mississauga at this event that honours leadership, innovation, and excellence in the Croatian– Canadian business community.

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.

We maintain our core Canadian values of 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 and further enrich our collective identity with their individual talents and cultures. 

Pluralism is about mutual respect.  It' s about everyone participating in society.  And it' s about learning from one another and working together to form a strong and cohesive Canada.

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

Members of the Croatian– Canadian community have long enriched this country with their skills, knowledge, and talents; and our society benefits greatly.

I would like to take this opportunity to commend everyone involved with the Canadian– Croatian Chamber of Commerce on the valuable support that you provide to your community.

You have established a strong association that has been instrumental in developing and facilitating business and social connections among members of the Croatian community both here in Canada and in Croatia.

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

Ensuring the full participation of all Canadians in our society, regardless of ethnicity, is important for Canada' s social and economic prosperity, as is our trade and business relationships with other countries.

I would like to thank all members of the Canadian– Croatian Chamber of Commerce for their ongoing efforts to strengthen the Croatian‑Canadian business community and to enhance business relations and trade and investment opportunities between Canada and Croatia.

Congratulations to all the Business Excellence Award winners this evening and my thanks for your tremendous contributions.