Ottawa, March 25, 2009 — The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, issued the following statement recognizing Greek Independence Day:
“Greek Independence Day is a national holiday celebrated in Greece on March 25 to commemorate the 1821 Greek Declaration of Independence, making Greeks the first people of the Former Ottoman Empire to secure recognition as an independent nation.
“The annual celebration of Greek Independence Day coincides with the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary, one of the holiest days for the Greek Orthodox Christian Church.
“This event is a celebration of Hellenic identity and commemoration, through which all people of Hellenic descent can express their pride, and promote their culture, identity, and achievements to our civilization.
“For all Canadians, Greek Independence Day provides an excellent opportunity to reflect on the tremendous contributions that the Greek community has made to this country’s rich and diverse heritage.
“As Prime Minister Harper has said, ‘Pluralism is the principle that binds our diverse peoples together.’
“As Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, I join my voice to those of my fellow Canadians of Greek origin in celebrating this national day and I wish them a very happy Greek Independence Day.”
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
