Ottawa, September 21, 2012 — The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, issued the following statement recognizing the celebration of Armenia’s Independence Day:
I am pleased to join with Armenians in Canada and around the world in celebrating the 21st anniversary of Armenia’s declaration of independence from the Soviet Union. That independence brought an end to almost seven decades of tyranny under the former communist regime.
Over the past 21 years, Canada has been proud of its close ties with a free and sovereign Armenia. Those bonds are made stronger by the active participation of Armenian-Canadian individuals, church groups and community organizations in a great number of international initiatives.
Canada was a strong supporter of Armenia’s candidacy to become an associate member of l’Organisation internationale de la Francophonie in 2008. Canada and Armenia have also signed a number of bilateral trade agreements that are to the great benefit of both countries.
The Armenian-Canadian community has a history in this country that goes back more than a century, and has played an important role in building our society. Although relatively small in size, this community has fostered an impressive number of accomplished and internationally celebrated individuals, including legendary photographer Yousuf Karsh, filmmaker Atom Egoyan and actress Arsinée Khanjian.
As Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, I wish all Canadians and Armenians celebrating today a very happy Independence Day.
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.
