Statement - Minister Kenney issues statement recognizing Korean New Year

Ottawa, February 12, 2010 — The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, issued the following statement recognizing Korean New Year this coming Sunday:

For people of Korean heritage living in Canada and around the world, Korean New Year – commonly known as Seollal – is a time to reflect on the past and look optimistically to the future.

It is also a time to recognize good fortune, pay respects to elders and ancestors, play traditional folk games, and celebrate with family, friends, and the community.

For all Canadians, Korean New Year provides an excellent opportunity to reflect on the tremendous contributions that members of the Korean community have made to this country’s rich and diverse heritage.

This year, for the first time in 60 years, we enter the Year of the White Tiger. The Tiger is a symbol of courage, strength, and leadership, and the White Tiger is a particularly important symbol in Korean culture, being of one of the four guardian gods in Korean legend.

As Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, I extend my best wishes to those celebrating Korean New Year this Sunday, and I hope the Year of the White Tiger brings everyone health, happiness, and prosperity.

For further information (media only), please contact:

Alykhan Velshi
Minister’s Office
Citizenship and Immigration Canada

Media Relations
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-1650
CIC-Media-Relations@cic.gc.ca