Prime Minister Stephen Harper attends the Chinese Lunar New Year Event

PLEASE CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. 

Da jai hao. 

You'll have to forgive my pronunciation.  My Mandarin isn't quite as good as my French, but I am working on it.  In fact, I've got my own private tutor of sorts, the man who was kind enough to introduce me, Jason Kenney. 

Jason, as you may know, was recently sworn into the Ministry as Secretary of State for Multiculturalism and Canadian Identity.  In his new position, he'll be bringing the views and perspectives of Canada's various cultural groups to Ottawa, and I can tell you, Jason's already doing a first-rate job in his new role, so please give Jason Kenney a well-deserved round of applause. 

It's a great pleasure to be here tonight as we usher in the Year of the Pig. I have particular reason to celebrate as I was born during the Year of the Pig.  Now, I'm told that those born under this sign are renowned for their honesty, directness and patience.  Well, I certainly try to be honest and direct.  That's why our government puts so much emphasis on accountability, and why we try to speak plainly and openly about our plans. 

But I must admit I'm not always the most patient man in the world.  I have particular frustrations with the Opposition in a minority Parliament, but it just means we have to work a little harder and have to stay focused on our priorities and get the job done.  And friends, let me assure you that our government will continue to focus on building a stronger, safer and better Canada that works for all of us. 

We want to see a country that values safe streets and peaceful communities, a country that rewards hard work and initiative, a country that respects the important role of the family. 

Now, the sheer scale of tonight's event is a testament to the growing importance of the Chinese community in the Canadian family.

As you join one another to celebrate the Year of the Pig, it is clear that the Chinese community is playing an increasingly important role within Canadian society. 

Regardless of the field, be it in the sciences, business, the arts, or politics, Chinese Canadians are making their mark, just as they always have.  Consider for instance, as was mentioned earlier in a documentary, the role played by the Chinese in the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway.  This was undoubtedly the most important nation-building exercise in Canadian history. 

The CPR was the ribbon of steel that bound together a fledgling country.  It was an engineering feat, a feat for which the labours of thousands of hard-working Chinese was largely responsible.  Now of course, historically, the building of the CPR was followed by the shameful head tax. 

And I think we can all agree that this Chinese New Year, I think we can all thank Minister Bev Oda, Jason Kenney who worked on this.  I think we can all be thankful that the Chinese community, that the government, that we have apologized and put this behind us and reunited Chinese Canadians with the Canadian family. 

Now of course, following the end of the Head Tax, increasing numbers of Chinese chose to come to Canada to build new and better lives.  And let me tell you, ladies and gentlemen, all Canadians have benefited as a result of these waves of immigration.  Simply put, the Canada we know and love today wouldn't exist without the contributions made by Chinese Canadians over the years.

Chinese Canadians have shown that ours is a country in which what you've done and where you're going matter more than who you are or where you're from, a country united at home and respected abroad, a country unwavering in its commitment to freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law; in short, a country of which we can all be proud. 

Therefore on behalf of Canada's New Government, I'd like to take this brief opportunity to thank you, the Chinese Canadian community for the contributions that your ancestors have made to our history, the contributions you and your families are making today, and the contributions, I am sure, and I am confident, that your children and grandchildren will undoubtedly make in the future. 

And in closing, I'd like to offer my best wishes for good health and good fortune as you and your loved ones gather to celebrate the New Year.  May this year prove to be peaceful and prosperous to you and your family. 

Gung hei fat choi. 

Thank you. May God keep Canada strong and free. 

All News

---

Related Items