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Chinese Lunar New Year

Speaking Notes for the Hon. David Kilgour

Member of Parliament for Edmonton Southeast and Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific)

at Edmonton Chinatown Multicultural Centre’s  Chinese New Years Extravaganza

Northlands Agricom, 7300-116 Ave.

January 25, 2003

Edmonton

 

*Speech not delivered


Many thanks to the Edmonton Chinatown Multicultural Centre and the community for inviting me to join you to celebrate this year’s Lunar New Year Extravaganza. It is a great privilege to be here with you this afternoon to welcome in the year of the sheep.

As Secretary of State for Asia-Pacific, I have been most fortunate to travel twice to China and once to Hong Kong in the past year. It is one of the most dynamic regions in the world and represents unparalleled economic opportunity for Canadians and especially Albertans. In fact, Alberta conducted $100 million in business with China last year, more than any other province. It is also home to countless cultural traditions, some of which will be highlighted here today.

The lunar New Year celebration evolved from the legend of a Chinese village thousands of years ago that was ravaged by an evil spirit. To protect themselves the following year, the villagers hung red banners and used firecrackers and drums to ward off the evil force.

No doubt this years’ ‘evil monster’ is the deep freeze that has assailed our province and the entire country during the past week. I don’t know about you but I’m counting on the ‘year of the sheep’ to warm us all up a little.

Cultural celebrations are important as they teach young people invaluable lessons about their history. For that reason I’m encouraged to see so many young faces here today.  Learning about our past, helps to ensure that our cultural traditions will continue to play a role in our future.

Once again, permit me to extend a thank-you to the organizers and to all of you, for the opportunity to be here. Please accept my very best wishes for this afternoon’s festivities and may you all enjoy a healthy and prosperous ‘year of the sheep’.

Gung Hey Fat Choy (Wishing You Prosperity and Wealth)

Thank-you

-30-

 

 
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