Ottawa, February 9, 2011 - The Honourable Jason Kenney Minister of Citizenship, Immigration, and Multiculturalism released the following statement today in conclusion of Pakistani Minister of Minorities Shahbaz Bhatti's visit to Canada:
"Over the past two days I have had the great honour of hosting Pakistan's brave Minister of Minorities, Shahbaz Bhatti.
"During his trip Minister Bhatti had the chance to meet with the Right Honourable Prime Minister Harper, Foreign Affairs Minister Cannon, several parliamentarians, and local religious and community leaders to discuss Canada - Pakistan relations, as well as the status of ethnic and religious minorities.
"I salute Minister Bhatti for his courageous work to promote religious freedom and human rights in Pakistan and around the world. His visit gave us an opportunity to discuss the importance of protecting vulnerable religious minorities at home and abroad.
"We expressed our sincere condolences to Minister Bhatti over the recent assassination of Punjab Governor Salman Taseer, and reiterated Canada's opposition to the abuse of blasphemy laws, as exemplified by the death sentence imposed on Asia Bibi."
For further information (media only), please contact:
Celyeste Power
Minister's Office
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-1650
CIC-Media-Relations@cic.gc.ca
