Ottawa, January 26, 2009 — The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, issued the following statement recognizing Tết, the Vietnamese New Year.
“For people of Vietnamese heritage living in Canada, Tết is a time of rebirth and renewal. It is a time to let go of the difficulties of the past year and look forward to the gifts the new year will bring. It is also a time to honour ancestors and celebrate with family and the community.
“For all Canadians, Tết provides an excellent opportunity to think about the tremendous contributions that members of the Vietnamese community have made to this country’s rich and diverse heritage.
“This year, we enter the Year of the Water Buffalo, an animal traditionally associated with industriousness and patience. The Year of the Water Buffalo is one of slow and steady progress.
“As Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, I hope the Year of the Water Buffalo brings everyone health, wealth and good fortune.”
For further information (media only) on the Minister’s activities, please contact:
Alykhan Velshi
Minister’s Office
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Alykhan.Velshi@cic.gc.ca
Media Relations Unit
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-1650
CIC-Media-Relations@cic.gc.ca
