Mr. Speaker, on March 25, Greece celebrated 175 years of independence. It was on March 25, 1821 that the Greek people started their struggle to regain their independence after 500 years of Turkish domination. Their sense of identity as a people enabled them to set off on this difficult journey that required tenacity, courage and above all solidarity.
The people of Greece-birthplace of western civilisation, especially in the fields of arts and science-were oppressed by the Ottoman Empire for hundreds of years without ever losing sight of their quest for independence.
Today, we salute the Greek people, who, through their determination, succeeded in regaining their freedom and their place in the world community. We share with Quebecers and Canadians of Greek origin the well-deserved pride of Greece for achieving its freedom and sovereignty.