VANCOUVER, February 2, 2008 - On behalf of the Honourable Jason Kenney, Secretary of State (Multiculturalism and Canadian Identity), Edward Fast, Member of Parliament (Abbotsford), will attend the 2008 Vancouver Chinese New Year Festival tomorrow.
"Chinese New Year is an excellent opportunity not only to celebrate, but to reflect on and honour the contributions of Chinese Canadians to the growth and prosperity of Canada," said Secretary of State Kenney. "As one of the largest Chinese New Year celebrations in Canada, this event presents a wonderful opportunity to learn from one another and, at the same time, to celebrate our common Canadian identity."
"The Government of Canada considers Canada's diversity to be one of our greatest assets, and we are committed to strengthening our pluralism and our national cohesion," said Mr. Fast.
Chinese New Year is the most important celebration of the Chinese calendar: a time for bringing family and friends together and exchanging wishes of happiness, health, and good fortune.
"As Chinese Canadians, we are very fortunate to live in Canada—a country that attracts people from many different ethnic backgrounds and who all contribute to enriching our society," said Peter Wang, Executive Chair of the 2008 Vancouver Chinese New Year Festival. "The purpose of holding this sixth Vancouver Chinese New Year Festival is to celebrate our joy of being part of this great country and to promote multiculturalism."
Information:
Alykhan Velshi
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Jason Kenney, PC, MP
Secretary of State
(Multiculturalism and Canadian Identity)
819 934-1122
