Mr. Speaker, for hundreds of years, even before Confederation, Canada has been a nation characterized by cultural diversity.
Our First Nations were joined by many newcomers who arrived from every nation on earth. Countless waves of pioneers and adventurers became united in an untiring effort to build a new land, proud to call itself home to the languages, arts, religions and traditions of the world.
These ancestors have left us a cultural heritage and diversity envied and respected throughout the global community.
When all Canadians grasp the gifts at hand that forge a bright future for our country, we will enter the third millennium as a cohesive, respectful nation, second to none.