Prime Minister Stephen Harper today visited the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Vancouver, where he attended a dress rehearsal for the upcoming Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival Celebration Parade. The rehearsal included five artistic demonstrations.
"The Year of the Tiger holds great promise for Canada," said Prime Minister Harper. "It is a year during which we will leave our mark on the world by hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in February and March as well as the G-8 and G-20 summits in June."
The Prime Minister used the opportunity to recognize how Canada's dynamic Chinese community, well over a million strong, contributes significantly to Canadian society at home and by helping to forge international links. The tourism, environment and cultural agreements signed during Prime Minister Harper's visit to Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong last December will further strengthen these links in 2010.
"My wife Laureen and I look forward to seeing Canada's vibrant Chinese community marking the Lunar New Year with colourful festivities across the country, including Vancouver's Spring Festival Celebration Parade," said Prime Minister Harper.
