Ottawa, April 14, 2009 — The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, issued the following statement recognizing the celebration of Vaisakhi:
“For Sikhs around the world, Vaisakhi is one of the most important observances of the year. It commemorates the founding of the Khalsa Sikh community in 1699 by Guru Gobind Singh.
“For all Canadians, Vaisakhi provides an excellent opportunity to reflect on the tremendous contributions that Sikhs have 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 offer my best wishes to all those celebrating Vaisakhi.”
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
