Ottawa, February 3, 2011 — The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, issued the following statement recognizing today’s start of the celebration of Tết – the Vietnamese New Year:
For people of Vietnamese heritage living in Canada and around the world, Tết is considered to be a time of rebirth and renewal. It is a time to let go of the difficulties of the past year and look ahead to the gifts the New Year will bring. It is also a time to honour one’s ancestors, gather for family reunions and celebrate with the community.
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 Cat, an animal traditionally associated with kindness and gentleness. The Year of the Cat is one that is thought to be free of stress, and those born in this year are said to be welcoming, talented and ambitious.
As Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, I offer my best wishes to those celebrating Tết, and I hope the Year of the Cat brings everyone health, wealth and good fortune.
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
