June 27, 2011

Message from His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, on the Occasion of Canadian Multiculturalism Day

OTTAWA – As we celebrate Canadian Multiculturalism Day, I am so pleased to extend greetings to everyone who, from every background, from every continent, contributes to the richness and strength of our social fabric.

In Canada, we are tremendously privileged to live in an inclusive society, where democracy, equality and mutual respect are the cornerstones of our communities, where the diversity of our cultures is appreciated and recognized as an asset to our collective heritage. Personally, I am always delighted to meet people from varied backgrounds and with different customs, and it is a pleasure for me, in return, to share my own cultural heritage. By celebrating our differences, do we not also see just how much we have in common?

In honour of this day of celebration, I invite everyone to go out and meet with their fellow citizens, to sit down with them and discuss the values they hold dear. In this way, together, we will help to build the smarter, more caring nation to which we aspire.

I wish you all a very happy Multiculturalism Day.

 David Johnston          

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 Canadian Multiculturalism Day is celebrated on June 27 of each year.

Media information:

Christelle Legault
Rideau Hall Press Office
613-998-7280
christelle.legault@gg.ca
www.gg.ca

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