Mr. Speaker, today we are celebrating Portugal Day, the day of Camões and Portuguese communities. For me, this day holds a very special significance.
Like thousands of Portuguese before me, I left my country of birth in search of new opportunities. Canada welcomed me and allowed me to build a career, a family and a life, for which I am deeply grateful. Today, Canadians of Portuguese descent contribute to the prosperity of our communities. They are entrepreneurs, workers, teachers and artists.
I wish everyone celebrating this day in Canada, in Portugal and around the world a very happy Portugal Day.
Long live Canada. Viva Portugal.