Speeches – 2008

The Honourable Jason Kenney

The 5th Annual Outstanding Asian Canadian Award Banquet

Mississauga, Ontario, June 1, 2008

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Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.

Let me begin by saying how delighted I am to be with you this evening for the 5th Annual Outstanding Asian Canadian Award Banquet.

Across the country, a wide array of events have been organized to celebrate this special month.  Each one has been tremendously important in recognizing the rich heritage of Asian Canadians and the community' s role and contribution to the prosperity and success of this country.

This evening' s banquet is an excellent way to end Asian Heritage Month activities, and I appreciate having this opportunity to be part of it.

Canada is defined by our multi-faceted culture, our stories, our shared heritage, and our hopes and aspirations for the future.

Our diversity is a hallmark of this nation.  It is who we are and it is what makes our communities more vibrant.  It is something Canadians are proud of – and that other countries recognize.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper has said that Canada "is a land of opportunity where everyone – regardless of their ethnicity or religion – works and lives and succeeds together."

 

For more than one hundred years, Asian Canadians have come to this country from different regions of Asia, bringing with them valuable skills, knowledge, and a rich cultural legacy.  And we as a society have definitely benefitted greatly.

The heritage and contributions of Canada' s Asian community have helped shape our history and have made an invaluable contribution to the development of our country.

As everyone in this room knows very well, this community continues to have leaders in every area of human endeavour, from business and the arts, to government, law, academia, medicine, and everything in between.

Tonight, I am very pleased to be here to help celebrate individuals who have played an active role in helping shape our future and who have made valuable contributions to the community.

On behalf of the Government of Canada, I would like to congratulate all of the award recipients for your outstanding work.  Your distinguished achievements serve as an inspiration to us all. 

I would also like to commend the Canadian Multicultural Council - Asians in Ontario for your efforts in recognizing individuals that have achieved excellence in the community.  And for your ongoing work to promote diversity.

Organizations such as yours contribute to making Canada a better place to live and learn, and your efforts are greatly appreciated.

In closing, allow me to thank you for welcoming me to this celebration, and to say that I hope that you enjoy the rest of the evening.