Ottawa, January 14, 2014 — The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister for Multiculturalism, issued the following statement to mark Thai Pongal:
“Today, Tamils around the world begin celebrating the four-day harvest festival of Thai Pongal.
“During Thai Pongal – also known as the ‘Festival of the Tamils’ – celebrants traditionally give thanks for a bountiful harvest. Each of the four days of the festival has its own particular significance and characteristic rituals associated with home, family, agriculture and worship.
“For Tamils in Canada, India, Sri Lanka, and around the world, Thai Pongal is a time of joy, thanksgiving, reconciliation, and community celebration.
“Over the past three decades, the Tamil-Canadian community has been one of the fastest growing visible minority communities in this country. In that time, Canadians of Tamil origin have made tremendous contributions to our diverse society.
“As Minister for Multiculturalism, I offer my warmest wishes to all those celebrating Thai Pongal.
“Thai Piranthal Vali Pirakkum.”
For further information (media only), please contact:
Alexandra Fortier
Minister’s Office
819-994-2482
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.
