Ottawa, March 25, 2011 — The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, issued the following statement recognizing Greek Independence Day:
“This national day commemorates the 1821 Greek Declaration of Independence, when Greece secured recognition as an independent nation after centuries of Ottoman rule.
“The annual celebration of Greek Independence Day on March 25 coincides with, and draws inspiration from, the Feast of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary, one of the holiest days for Greek Orthodox Christians.
“For all Canadians, Greek Independence Day provides an excellent opportunity to reflect on the tremendous contributions that the Greek community has made to this country’s rich and diverse heritage.
“People of Greek descent have come to Canada for decades. Today, nearly a quarter of a million people of Greek origin live here. Greek Canadians take great pride in their culture, heritage and traditions, while playing an important role in building an integrated society based on civic pride and memory, as well as on the values of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
“Many of these values—such as democracy—come to us from ancient Greece and are based on its rich traditions of political thought.
“As Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, I am delighted to join with Greek Canadians in celebrating this national day and I wish them a very happy Greek Independence Day.”
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
