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June 27, 2007
“Canadian Multiculturalism Day is even more meaningful this year as we are celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Canadian Citizenship Act. Since it came into force on January 3, 1947, more than six million people from all around the world have come to Canada to explore new possibilities or, like my family and me, to start a new life, far from terror. They have found here the ideal of a society in which all citizens enjoy equal rights.
In Canada, we can explore opportunity’s many faces and enrich society with our unique contribution. Our country is the sum of our experience, our heritage, and our perspective of the world rather than the sum of our differences. This gives us strength and guarantees a promising future.
While conflict continues to divide entire populations in many areas of the world, it is important that we seize every possible opportunity and promote dialogue, exchange and sharing between our many cultures. May this day be a celebration of our diversity, which is not only a source of enrichment, but a message of hope for humanity.”
Michaëlle Jean
-30-
Media Information
Isabelle Serrurier
Rideau Hall Press Office
613-998-7280
www.gg.ca
www.citizenvoices.gg.ca