Ottawa, February 12, 2010 — The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, issued the following statement recognizing Tết, the Vietnamese New Year, this coming Sunday:
For people of Vietnamese heritage living in Canada and around the world, Tết is considered to be the first day of spring, 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 pay homage to ancestors, visit family and friends, attend church or temple, and celebrate with the community at local festivals and events.
For all Canadians, Tết provides an excellent opportunity to reflect on 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 Tiger, an animal traditionally associated with leadership, courage, and generosity. The Year of the Tiger is one of bold action and confident risk-taking.
As Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, I offer my best wishes to those celebrating Tết this Sunday, and I hope the Year of the Tiger brings everyone health, happiness, and prosperity.
For further information (media only), please contact:
Alykhan Velshi
Minister’s Office
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-1650
CIC-Media-Relations@cic.gc.ca
