Mr. Speaker, today, Canadians of Portuguese origin are celebrating the day of liberty. For 48 years, Portuguese were subjected to a dictatorship that denied basic democratic freedoms.
On April 25, 1974, the Portuguese people declared its freedom. After a peaceful revolution, Portugal underwent a gradual transition towards democracy. Moreover, its economic growth led it to join the European Union, in 1986.
Successive generations of Portuguese immigrants have contributed to the rich multicultural mosaic of my province of Quebec and that of Canada as a whole. They embraced our democratic traditions and became active members of their communities.
On the occasion of the 22nd anniversary of the day of liberty, and as president of the Canada-Portugal Parliamentarians Friendship Group, I wish to extend my best wishes to all Canadians of Portuguese origin, particularly those in my riding of Saint-Denis, and to thank them for their contributions to Canada.