Mr. Speaker, on behalf of our government, I would like to offer my warmest greetings to all Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean Canadians as they welcome the Year of the Pig.
The Lunar New Year has become an important part of the Canadian cultural landscape, with celebrations taking place in homes and communities all across the country.
Simply put, the country we know and love today would not exist without the contribution of Canadians of Asian origin.
Chinese Canadians helped build the railway to the Pacific and now, more than a century later, Canada is building its Asia-Pacific Gateway to continue building our economic relationship to the rising economic powers of Asia.
Righting the wrong of the Chinese head tax was one of this government's great accomplishments.
As Chinese Canadians celebrate the Year of the Pig, I want to say Gung Hei Fat Choi.
In my community of Coquitlam, one of Canada's most vibrant Korean Canadian communities can be found. I wish to tell all my constituents and all Korean Canadians An young ha sae yo.
I also wish to tell all Vietnamese Canadian communities found across Canada, on behalf of our government, Chuc mung nam moi.
Mr. Speaker, happy Lunar New Year. May the new year bring health, happiness and success for all.