PM celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the United Macedonians Organization of Canada

CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY

Thank you very much.  Thank you, Jason, for the kind introduction.  Minister Kenney, as you know, works hard every day overseeing Canada’s immigration department and our multiculturalism policy.

Greetings to my colleagues from the Canadian Parliament and also to our counterparts from the Macedonian Parliament.  Father Boseovski, honoured dignitaries, respected guests, ladies and gentlemen.

First of all, thank you Dragi and the United Macedonians Organization of Canada for inviting me to share in this special night.  For half a century, this Organization has worked to enrich the lives of Canadians of Macedonian descent, uniting your community and keeping alive your proud heritage and traditions.  So it is with great pleasure that I offer my congratulations on the occasion of this Organization’s 50th anniversary.

Since the early 19th century, Canada has been home to a vibrant Macedonian diaspora.  Early immigrants left all they knew behind in search of a better life for their children and found both opportunity and prosperity on our shores.

And Canada, in turn, has been enriched by the contributions of Macedonian Canadians.  As devoted family- and community-conscious neighbours, as enthusiastic participants in the democratic process, as hardworking entrepreneurs and accomplished professionals, each and every day, Macedonian Canadians are helping to build a stronger, better country for all of us.  Not to mention padding out the front lines of so many of NHL teams!

But seriously, ladies and gentlemen, the same values that guide community members here in Canada are also inspiring your friends and loved ones living in Macedonia.  Since Macedonia declared its independence in 1991, the country has made great strides in democratic and economic reform.  And although there have been, and will yet be, challenges, along the way,  Macedonia is already proving itself an important member of the European family.

I know that you will all keep a close watch on developments in Macedonia, just as you continue to contribute each and every day to building a stronger Canada.  One of our great strengths as Canadians is that we learn from history; we are not enslaved by it.  We put old arguments behind us and focus on the challenges and opportunities that lie before us.

And I know Macedonian-Canadians, through their hard work and commitment to community, will always be at the forefront of the effort to move Canada forward.

Once again, I want to thank the United Macedonians Organization of Canada for the opportunity to join you in tonight’s celebration, and I wish you 50 more years of success!  Thank you.

All News

---

Related Items