Statement by Minister Rodriguez on the Lunar New Year

OTTAWA, February 5, 2019

This week, many Canadians across the country are celebrating Lunar New Year. It is also the Year of the Pig, an animal that symbolizes peace, compassion and good luck.

Lunar New Year—also known as Chinese New Year, the Spring Festival, Tết in Vietnam and Seollal in Korea—is one of the most important traditional holidays for people of Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese descent, as well as for members of many other East Asian communities.

I invite Canadians of all backgrounds to take advantage of this festive time to learn more about the rich culture of these communities. It is also an opportunity to recognize how their valuable contributions have helped Canada become the welcoming, diverse and inclusive country we know today.

As Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism, I extend my warmest wishes to all those celebrating Lunar New Year. Have a happy, healthy and prosperous year!