Speeches – 2008
The Honourable Jason Kenney
Feast of St. Charbel
Ste-Julienne, Quebec
July 20, 2008
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Reverend Father Talal Hachem,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
It' s a pleasure to be here on the site of the Terre Saint-Charbel in Sainte‑Julienne.
I know how important this festival is to the Lebanese‑Canadian community, and I am delighted that you have invited me to take part it. I am particularly pleased because this event pays tribute to a great man.
Today, we have joined this gathering of friends to honour St. Charbel, whose earthly life was filled with self-denial because he was interested only in the poorest of the poor, and in the sick and dying. His life was devoted to upholding the values of mutual assistance, sharing, and brotherhood.
It is therefore appropriate to pause in our busy lives for a few moments to recall the life and achievements of people such as St. Charbel, who have made such a lasting impression in their time on earth. Thanks to them, fellowship, mutual understanding, and sharing are no longer mere concepts. Instead, they become acts of human involvement and respect.
It is only by getting to know each other that we can achieve mutual understanding and respect, to create lasting ties.
As you know, the basic values of Canadians are freedom, democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of law. Newcomers from around the world who settle in Canada embrace these values and strengthen our feeling of shared identity.
As Canadians of Lebanese origin, you have made this shared identity your own, enriching Canada with your skills, knowledge, and talents. Our society is the better for your contribution. You have played and continue to play a leading role in building our country.
Our Government is proud of the contributions that all cultural communities have made to Canada' s social, economic, and political life. We regard Canada' s diversity as one of our greatest assets, and we are determined to strengthen our pluralism and our national cohesion.
Canada' s pluralism is one of our country' s best characteristics, because it makes our society one of the most culturally and ethnically diverse in the world.
The openness of spirit and the respect for diversity that we demonstrate are among the most wonderful things about Canada. And the Lebanese‑Canadian community is certainly a powerful symbol of this reality.
In part, this important day enables us to reflect on what Canada has to offer. We must reaffirm our commitment to respect and protect the basic values I have just named, as well as the values of equality and respect for all religions and beliefs. They make our country an extraordinary place!
As Prime Minister Stephen Harper has said, "Our peaceful, prosperous and pluralistic society welcomes people of all faiths."
I believe that if we fulfill our commitment to take an active part in community life, to learn about each other, and to work together to strengthen our ties, we will honour the legacy of St. Charbel.
In closing, I wish to thank you for inviting me to this wonderful occasion for exchanging and sharing. Events such as this help us to build a country in which all communities work, live and join together.
Thank you and enjoy the day!