Mr. Speaker, olá. As the member of Parliament for Davenport, the riding with the largest number of Portuguese Canadians, I am proud to rise in the House today to celebrate Portugal Day in Canada and to celebrate June as Portuguese Heritage Month.
It has been 72 years since the first group of Portuguese immigrants arrived at Pier 21 in Halifax. Today, Portuguese Canadians are almost half a million strong, representing one of the largest Portuguese diasporas in the world. Living in communities across our fair country, Portuguese Canadians are leaders in every single sector: business, politics, science, sports, arts, health care, construction and so much more. Through their perseverance and hard work, they have enriched Canadian society and transformed Canada into a stronger and better country.
I invite all members of the House and all Canadians to join in the celebrations today and every day this month, whether it is by listening to fado, drinking vinho verde or eating a bifana or pastéis de nata.
Feliz Dia de Portugal. Feliz mês de Portugal.