Chinese
Benevolent Association 70th
Anniversary
Address by the Hon.
David Kilgour, M.P. Edmonton
Southeast
Secretary of State (Latin
America and Africa)
On the occasion of the 70th
Anniversary of the Chinese
Benevolent Association
September 4, 1999
It is a pleasure for me
to be with you this evening,
as the Chinese Benevolent
Association celebrates its
70th Anniversary. This is
an important milestone for
your association, which
has helped enormously in
the growth and vitality
of Edmonton’s Chinese
community.
There have been numerous
important events throughout
the last seven decades,
not only in our city and
province, but in our country
and abroad as well. Social
changes, economic periods
of hardships and prosperity,
technological progress,
as well as the various governments,
have contributed in the
evolution of the city, province
and nation. Through it all,
the Chinese Benevolent Association
has been an important factor
in promoting and teaching
all of us the distinct culture
and traditions of this a
community, and its place
in our community.
Since 1929, Edmonton has
evolved into one of Canada’s
most prosperous cities.
Fellow Canadians, as well
as foreigners, who come
here for a visit, often
tell me how impressed they
are by our city’s character
and spirit. They point to
the unique balance of the
city’s cultural diversity
and the Western character
of our province, helping
to make Edmonton the city
it is today.
The various cultural communities
which helped build Edmonton
into what it is today, are
the keys to the success
of not only our city, but
our province and country
as well. Again this year,
the United Nations named
Canada as the best country
in the world to live in.
Our traditions, values,
respect for each others
differences and cultural
diversity are envied worldwide.
In my role as Secretary
of State, I have had the
opportunity to visit many
countries, and many people
I meet have tell me how
much they admire the cultural
mosaic that Canada has to
offer.
In every part of this country,
one learns about the various
cultures and traditions.
This is what makes this
country unique. We have
the opportunity to learn
from each other’s differences,
enriching ourselves in the
process. Cultural organizations
and associations such as
yours are vital to our country.
You help instill and teach
the traditions and culture
to the younger generations,
helping them to understand
not only their heritage,
but also, the important
contributions of their ancestors
in our country’s history
and evolution. It is by
learning one’s history
that one can inspire the
dreams of the future.
This evening’s celebrations
also mark the official swearing-in
of the 1999-2001 Board of
Directors. They will oversee
the association’s role
in the community as we enter
the next millennium. Although
much has been said and made
about this up-coming milestone,
one cannot deny that it
is the beginning of a new
era.
Beginnings are always a
time to reflect on the past
and make plans for the future.
Taking this into account,
the new members are in a
unique situation to set-out
the association’s path
towards the future, outlining
new ideas and projects on
how to continue to better
serve and help the members
of Edmonton’s Chinese
community. It is also a
time for the community itself
to come together and reflect
on what you have achieved
as a whole, and to pursue
your dreams and aspirations
for the coming years.
There is much that you
can contribute to our city
and province. Your ideas
and acts, cultural vitality
and traditions, are an important
part of the character of
our country, a vital factor
in making Canada our home.
There is much to learn from
the examples of your community
and, is it not by learning
from each other that we
grow as a whole, which in
turn enriches this country
as a whole.
As you celebrate your achievements
this evening, take a moment
to reflect on your contributions
and achievements, and take
pride in your place in our
society.
Thank you and good luck!
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