Ottawa, September 21, 2014 — The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister for Multiculturalism, issued the following statement to mark the celebration of the Republic of Armenia’s Independence Day:
“Today, citizens of the Republic of Armenia, and people of Armenian descent in Canada and around the world, are celebrating Armenia’s Independence Day.
“In a referendum 23 years ago today, a near-unanimity of Armenian voters chose to secede from the crumbling Soviet Union after almost seven decades of Communist subjugation, and create a sovereign democratic state.
“I was glad to have the opportunity to travel to Armenia this past summer with members of Canada’s Armenian community, which has played a significant role in the life of our country for many decades. Armenian Canadians remain hardworking members of Canadian society, and important contributors to our nation’s prosperity and development.
“On my recent visit, I had the opportunity to pay my respects at the Armenian Genocide Memorial and at the Armenian Memorial to the Victims of Communist Repression. I was also glad to update my hosts on the Government of Canada’s ongoing collaboration with Canadian community groups on a project to build a Canadian Monument to the Victims of Communism.
“As Minister for Multiculturalism, I extend my very best wishes to everyone in the Republic of Armenia and to Armenians around the world celebrating today’s Independence Day.”
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
