Speeches – 2008

The Honourable Jason Kenney

The 150th anniversary of the first Polish settlement in Canada, the 100th anniversary of the Polish Diaspora in Windsor and the 75th anniversary of the Canadian Polish Congress

Ottawa, Ontario, Tuesday, June 10, 2008

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I am delighted to be here tonight to celebrate such monumental milestones for the Polish– Canadian community: the 150 anniversary of the first Polish settlement in Canada, the 100th anniversary of the Polish Diaspora in Windsor, and the 75th anniversary of the Canadian Polish congress. 

The anniversaries we are celebrating remind us of Canada' s long and rich history as a culturally diverse nation.  At the same time, these festivities provide an opportunity to learn from each other, and to experience our differences while celebrating our common Canadian identity.

The Government of Canada considers diversity to be one of this country' s greatest strengths, and we are committed to strengthening our pluralism and our national cohesion.

Diversity is the hallmark of Canada.  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.

I am proud to live in a country which embraces cultures from around the world.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper has said: "Generations of immigrants from all over the world have found peace and prosperity here.  They have found equality of opportunity, appreciation for differences, and openness to change."

It is wonderful to see so many people here tonight who embrace the link between their Canadian citizenship, their civic participation, and their commitment to maintaining links with their cultural heritage.

Our core Canadian values are freedom, democracy, 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 at the same time add to our sense of who we are.  This evening' s celebrations are a good example of this.

This is what our Government means when it talks about pluralism.  It' s about actively participating and learning about each other, and about how to work together to form a strong and cohesive Canada.

The Government of Canada recognizes the valuable contribution that the Polish community has made to the social, economic, and political landscape of this country.

Since the first settlement was established in Canada 150 years ago, Polish Canadians have helped build Canada.  And in doing so, they have also contributed significantly to shaping the Canadian cultural landscape.

I would like to take this opportunity to commend the two-hundred organizations that make up the Canadian Polish Congress for the work they have done to promote Polish culture and heritage and Canada.   You have done a wonderful job of fostering understanding and respect for other cultures, which the Government of Canada encourages all communities to do. 

By bridging the differences between the various cultures within this country, we uphold the values of pluralism and create a more vibrant and cohesive nation.

In closing, allow me to thank you for inviting me to take part in tonight' s reception.  On behalf of the Government of Canada, I am very pleased to celebrate the culture and heritage of the Polish community.

Thank you.