Mr. Speaker, Nowruz, the Persian new year, is fast approaching. This is a very important celebration in my riding of Richmond Hill, which is home to one of the largest, most dynamic Persian communities in Canada. Festivities of all kinds are taking place, from elegant Nowruz galas to the hustle and bustle of the Nowruz bazaars to the thrilling fire festival at Richmond Green. Richmond Hill has it all.
This is also a time to celebrate the rich culture of the Persian people and the extraordinary contributions they have made and continue to make to our great country, including, of course, the great town of Richmond Hill. Their remarkable talents and expertise include business, academia, medicine, science, and arts and culture, to name but a few.
I am proud to call so many Persian Canadians my friends. I wish all of those who are celebrating across Canada a very happy Nowruz.
Nowruzetan pirooz.