For people of Chinese origin living in Canada and around the world, Chinese New Year is a time to reflect on the past and look optimistically to the future. Also known as the Lunar New Year, this holiday is also a time to recognize good fortune, pay homage to ancestors, visit family and friends, and celebrate with the community.
For all Canadians, Chinese New Year provides an excellent opportunity to reflect on the tremendous contributions that members of the Chinese community have made to this country’s rich and diverse heritage.
This past year was a great year full of accomplishments, including for Chinese Canadians. I would like to recognize snowboarder Alexa Loo, who competed in the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver thanks to the support of her sponsor Kin Hun Leung.
I would also like to recognize figure skater Patrick Chan’s fifth-place finish in Vancouver, and the fourth-consecutive Canadian men’s figure skating title he captured last month in Victoria.
This year, we enter the Year of the Rabbit, which is considered to be a quiet and placid year. The Rabbit symbolizes grace, good manners and good taste, and those born in the Year of the Rabbit are said to be articulate, talented, friendly and outgoing.
As Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, I extend my best wishes to those celebrating Chinese New Year, and I hope the Year of the Rabbit brings everyone health, happiness and prosperity.
