Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise in the House today, on June 22, to recognize this day which marks the 125th anniversary of Canada's first Immigration Act and the creation of Canada's immigration service.
I am honoured to be representing the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration while he participates in a special commemorative ceremony at the Palais des congrès in Hull. The minister is marking this anniversary with a special permanent residents and
citizenship court ceremony demonstrating the vital link between immigration and citizenship which his new department symbolizes.
On behalf of all Canadians I pay tribute to the dedicated employees who serve today and to the pioneers of yesterday who helped build our nation through immigration starting 125 years ago today.