Ottawa, December 24, 2012 — The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, issued the following statement in celebration of Christmas:
“Tomorrow, Canadians will celebrate Christmas, one of the most important Christian holidays of the year.
“Following the spiritual preparation and reflection of Advent, and nine months after the Incarnation, this holiday commemorates the long-awaited birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, the city of David.
“Every year, Christmas unites families, friends, communities and cultures in hope and prayer for peace on earth, and in celebration of the birth of a child whom the prophet Isaiah called the ‘Prince of Peace.’
“Canadians of many backgrounds will celebrate Christmas with religious services, family gatherings, music and singing, gifts and alms-giving, and many other diverse customs.
“As Minister of Citizenship, Immigration, and Multiculturalism, I extend my warm wishes to you and your family for a merry and blessed Christmas, and for a happy and prosperous New Year.”
For further information (media only), please contact:
Alexis Pavlich
Minister’s Office
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-954-1064
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-1650
CIC-Media-Relations@cic.gc.ca
Building a stronger Canada: Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) strengthens Canada’s economic, social and cultural prosperity, helping ensure Canadian safety and security while managing one of the largest and most generous immigration programs in the world.
