Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement on the occasion of Tết, the Vietnamese New Year:
"Laureen and I would like to extend our best wishes to those celebrating the Vietnamese New Year in Canada and around the world this Sunday.
"As families and friends gather to welcome the Year of the Snake, they also reflect on the year that has just passed, and look forward in anticipation of all that the coming year may bring.
"With more than 190,000 people of Vietnamese origin living in Canada today, we are proud to recognize this important holiday, and to celebrate the tremendous contributions by this community to our country's rich and diverse heritage.
"Last month, I was pleased to participate in a celebration hosted by the Vietnamese Association of Toronto marking the Vietnamese Lunar New Year. On behalf of my entire family, I hope that the Year of the Snake brings good health, continued success and much happiness to you and yours.
"Chúc mừng năm mới."
