Mr. Speaker, the world's largest tulip festival is taking place from May 14 to May 24.
Fifty years ago, Princess Juliana of the Netherlands, who had spent the war years in Ottawa, gave 100,000 tulips to the nation's capital, to thank Canada for liberating her country during World War II.
The numerous events that mark the Canadian Tulip Festival are aimed at promoting culture and entertaining the numerous visitors from all regions of Canada and from abroad.
The festivities will take place on more than 13 sites in the national capital region and will include various public shows.
The Government of Canada is proud to be associated with this event. I hope that all my fellow citizens in the region, and all those who will visit the national capital region in the coming weeks, will enjoy this blossoming of colours and shapes.