Statement by Minister Joly on Nowruz

OTTAWA, March 21, 2018

Today, we join Persian, Kurdish, Afghan, Zoroastrian, Bahá’í, Central Asian, and Ismaili Canadians to celebrate the festival of Nowruz.

Nowruz marks the first day of spring and the New Year in the Persian calendar. Meaning “New Day” in Farsi, Nowruz is a time to reflect on the renewal, rejuvenation, and hope that the spring season represents. It is a time for families, friends and neighbours to gather together to celebrate with music, dance and traditional cuisine.

This festival is an opportunity for all Canadians to learn more about Canada’s Persian, Central Asian, Kurdish and Ismaili communities, and to celebrate their rich cultures and traditions. It is also opportunity to recognize the large impact that Persian, Kurdish, Afghan, Zoroastrian, Bahá’í, Central Asian, and Ismaili Canadians have had in shaping our culture and contributing to Canada’s prosperity and growth.

As Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Multiculturalism, I extend my best wishes for health, happiness, and prosperity to everyone celebrating Nowruz today.

Har Ruz etan Nowrouz, Nowruz etan Pyrouz.

For more information (media only), please contact:

Simon Ross
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
819-997-7788