Mr. Speaker, 2013 marks the 60th anniversary of Portuguese immigration to Canada. Today, Portugal Day, I would like to reflect on some of the community's great accomplishments.
Many came in those early years with very little education but a burning desire to succeed. Today, Luso Canadians have successful businesses, created peaceful and tidy neighbourhoods, and have literally built much of the Toronto skyline. Their children are now teachers and academics, professionals of all sorts, skilled tradespeople, artists, athletes and great civil society leaders.
The Portuguese community in Canada is one of our great success stories as a nation. However, there is still much work to be done to strengthen our ties, which is why today I have tabled a motion urging the government to establish an agreement with Portugal that would allow Canadian youth to experience the vibrant life and culture of Portugal and would provide Portuguese youth with the same opportunity here.
Portuguese immigrants came to Canada escaping poverty and political oppression. They came to seek a better life, and in the process they have made life better for all Canadians.
[Member spoke in Portuguese as follows:]
Parabéns e feliz dia Portugal.