Mr. Speaker, next week, Canadians of Greek origin will be celebrating a very special event, the 176th anniversary of Greek independence, and the establishment of modern-day Greece.
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Canada has recognized the importance Canadians of other origins place on their cultures and traditions and has encouraged all Canadians to take pride in their heritage.
In Montreal, where Greek immigrants began settling at the turn of the century, 1997 marks the 90th anniversary of the establishment of the Hellenic Community of Montreal.
Tens of thousands of Canadians of Hellenic origin as well as other Montrealers will converge in Saint-Denis on Sunday, March 30, in a show of ethnic pride. It will be my honour this year to serve as a co-grand marshall of the independence day parade along with the Mayor of Athens who will be in Canada to finalize plans for the twinning of Montreal and Athens.
On March 25, I invite all members of the House to wish Canadians of Greek origin: Zito i Ellas! Zito o Kanadas!