Ottawa, March 4, 2011 - The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, issued the following statement recognizing Losar, the Tibetan New Year:
"Tomorrow marks the first day of 2138 – the Year of the Iron Hare – on the Tibetan calendar.
"Losar is a time of renewal and purification where people of Tibetan heritage honour spiritual leaders, visit family and friends, exchange gifts and gather for celebrations in the community.
"Over the years, I have personally enjoyed participating in Losar festivities. As these important days approach, I offer my best wishes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama – who is an honourary Canadian citizen – as well as to the Tibetan community.
"In 2007, I had the great privilege, along with Prime Minister Stephen Harper, of meeting His Holiness in Ottawa. In December of last year, it was my honour to celebrate the 21st anniversary of the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to the Dalai Lama with members of Canada's Tibetan community.
"For all Canadians, Losar provides an excellent opportunity to reflect on the tremendous contributions that members of the Tibetan community have made to this country's rich and diverse heritage.
"As Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, I extend my warmest wishes for a healthy, happy and prosperous Year of the Iron Hare."
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
