Speaking notes for the Honourable Jason Kenney, P.C., M.P. Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism at the Gotse Delchev Night

St. Clement of Ohrid Macedonian Orthodox Cathedral
Toronto, Ontario
February 7, 2009

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Welcome fathers, ambassador, consul general, Members of Parliament from Macedonia and Canada, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.

It is a great honour to be with you here on this historic evening along with Canada’s Prime Minister as we honour this 50th anniversary of the United Macedonians Association of Canada. Thank you for welcoming us here tonight, and a broader thank you to the Macedonian Orthodox Church for all that it has done for this community.

During the dark and difficult days of the communist oppression in Macedonia, the Orthodox Church here in Canada and throughout the Diaspora provided support for the community and support for those who dreamed of one day having a free, independent and democratic country.

This is indeed an historic night. I’m told that this is only the second time that a Canadian Prime Minister has visited the Macedonian Canadian community. It is two decades since Prime Minister Brian Mulroney visited the Macedonian community here in Toronto.

And this is indeed a reflection of the esteem in which the government of Canada, and Prime Minister Harper’s government, in particular holds this community, many of whose members came to this country seeking freedom, fleeing a country where there was no freedom. You brought to this country your hopes and dreams and aspirations for your children and grandchildren, that they could grow up in a free and democratic country. And now we are delighted that Macedonia and all of the other former countries of communist Eastern, Central and Southern Europe are free, democratic and independent nations.

Tonight it’s my real pleasure to introduce to you our country’s leader and our Prime Minister, a man who has put Canada back on the world stage as a champion of principle, freedom, democracy and human rights.

He is a man who is providing strong leadership to our country during these difficult and uncertain economic times. Before I introduce him, I should also point out he has the wisdom to have selected as one of his senior advisors on the economy a proud Canadian of Macedonian origin, Jasmine Igneski.

And so, friends, please join with me in welcoming to the podium, in welcoming to Canada’s Macedonian community, Canada’s leader, the Prime Minister of this country, the Right Honourable Stephen Harper.