PM sends New Year greetings to Chinese Canadians

Source: Xinhua | 01-22-2009 08:10

OTTAWA, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- Prime Minister Stephen Harper on Tuesday greeted all Chinese Canadians on the eve of the traditional Chinese New Year.

"I am delighted to extend my best wishes to the Chinese community in Canada on the occasion of the Chinese New Year," the prime minister said in a statement.

"Across the country, Canadians of Chinese descent are gathering to honor tradition by ushering in the Year of the Ox. This celebration is a wonderful opportunity to both mark time-honored customs and share these proud commemorations with fellow Canadians. As a young nation, Canada draws tremendous strength from the rich history that shapes our vibrant cultural landscape," Harper said.

"As you mark the beginning of the Year of the Ox, I hope that you will celebrate the fortitude and hard work that characterize the Canadian Chinese community and look forward with enthusiasm to building on your successes in the upcoming year," he said.

Chinese Canadians constitute the second largest visible minority group in Canada, standing at 1.3 million people. That made up 4.3 percent of the total population in 2006.

Editor:Liu Anqi