Ottawa, August 14, 2011 — The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, issued the following statement recognizing the celebration of Pakistan Independence Day:
“Today, Canadians of Pakistani descent will be celebrating Independence Day with family and friends, and the wider community.
“Canada enjoys a strong relationship with Pakistan that is rooted in the nearly 125,000 Canadians of Pakistani heritage. For over a century, members of the Pakistani community have enriched Canada with their skills, their knowledge and their talent. And as Pakistan is one of our top source countries of immigrants, Pakistani Canadians will continue to play an important role in building this country in the 21st century.
“For all Canadians, Pakistan Independence Day provides an excellent opportunity to reflect on the contributions that the Pakistani community has made to this country’s rich and diverse heritage.
“As Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, I extend my best wishes for a very happy and festive Pakistan Independence Day, and a bright and successful future, to everyone in Canada’s Pakistani community.”
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For further information (media only), please contact:
Candice Malcolm
Minister’s Office
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-1650
CIC-Media-Relations@cic.gc.ca
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