His Honour Norman L. Kwong, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta

Multiculturalism Day Celebration and Citizenship Ceremony
Friday, June 26, 2009
Government House, Edmonton, Alberta

Good afternoon…Judge Sonia Bitar… distinguished guests…ladies and gentlemen…and a special hello to the fifteen people who are setting out today on an exciting chapter in their lives as citizens of our great country.

You know, there are many things that I love about serving as Her Majesty the Queen's representative in Alberta. First of all, the job gives me the chance to celebrate special milestones like this with wonderful people from across the province.

Having this job also means that I get to play a part in our democratic traditions that allow all citizens to live in freedom and that unite all of us in the spirit of peace, tolerance and understanding.

I also find that getting to host ceremonies like this is meaningful to me because of where I came from. Like many of my fellow Albertans, I'm a first generation Canadian. My parents were born in China and immigrated here as young adults. They settled in Calgary and that's where I was born and raised.

Being the son of immigrants, I certainly grew up with an appreciation for what my parents went through as new Canadians. I know the challenges they faced trying to adapt to a different country, make a living, and learn the language and customs.

It's certainly not an easy thing to do. It takes a tremendous amount of courage, determination and strength of character. But I also know just how much there is to gain for people who chose to become Canadian citizens. Because this is a country where anything is possible…where all people are free to pursue their hopes and dreams…to create success for themselves, for their families and for future generations. I have every confidence that this day will mark the beginning of great things for these 15 new Canadians.

To our newest citizens, I encourage you to always cherish the freedoms that this country has to offer, to embrace our Canadian way of life and to make the most of every opportunity that's presented to you.

At the same time, I hope that you'll always share the best of the heritage that you're bringing with you to Canada. Every culture that forms a part of our Canadian mosaic contributes wonderful language, music, art and other customs, along with exciting new ideas and perspectives. And all of those things make our communities and our country better and stronger places to be.

That sense of diversity and tolerance for all people is an essential part of our Canadian identity and that's why we've chosen to hold this special citizenship ceremony on Canadian Multiculturalism Day.

I'd like to take this opportunity to recognize the representatives here from multicultural communities and from local organizations dedicated to serving Canadian immigrants. Thank you for your work to strengthen multiculturalism in Edmonton and Alberta as a whole and for everything you do to help new citizens build strong, happy and hopeful lives here in Canada.

Finally, it's my privilege to be among the first to congratulate Canada's newest citizens. Thank you for your commitment and dedication to our country and for allowing all of us to share this moment with you.

Welcome to our wonderful and diverse Canadian family, congratulations and best wishes for every possible success and enjoy this special day.