The
Indo-Canadian community
in Canada
Notes for remarks by
Hon. David Kilgour, M.P.
Edmonton Southeast
Secretary of State (Latin
America & Africa)
To Canada Day Celebration,
Council of India Societies
of Edmonton
India Centre, Edmonton
July 1, 2000
Ladies and Gentleman,
It is an honour to be with
you this afternoon to celebrate
Canada’s 133rd
birthday.
This Canada Day celebration
does more than commemorate
our country’s birth.
It reminds us of the fundamental
ideals which make this country
unique. Equality and peace
through friendship and understanding
are central pillars of the
Canadian belief system.
This probably explains why
Canada is ranked number
one by the Human Development
Index – for the eighth
year in a row. No other
country surpasses this record.
According to the United
Nations’ most recent
findings, Canada has the
highest quality of life
in the world. No statistics
are needed, however, to
prove to us how safe and
happy many citizens of Canada
are.
What makes Canada so special
is its diversity. Multiculturalism
is a major asset of any
pluralistic society. In
Canada’s case, it has
helped to strengthen its
core values of tolerance
and respect for human dignity.
Internationally, Canada’s
diversity has been instrumental
in developing its trade
and foreign affairs policies.
Domestically, the many skilled
workers which come from
all over the world, have
brought innovation and renewed
energy to our economy.
The uniqueness of Canada’s
ethnicity is its permanence.
The heritage of all Canadians
is an integral and enduring
feature of our national
identity. As we brace ourselves
for the changes which lie
ahead, it is reassuring
to think that the many cultures
which live side by side
in this land will continue
to do so for generations
to come.
The Indo-Canadian community
is a vibrant part of Canada’s
cultural kaleidoscope. According
to the 1996 census, there
were some 235,935 Canadians
of Indian origin with about
18 360 in Alberta alone.
For a country with such
a small population, that
is an impressive number
of people. Canada and India
are very different, both
geographically and demographically.
Your invaluable contribution
to the social, political
and economic aspects of
Canadian life is ample proof
that you feel comfortable
here.
The Council of India Societies
of Edmonton, the generous
host of this event, has
been instrumental in making
people feel at home. Your
Canada Day celebration has
united not only the South
Asians of Edmonton, but
Edmontonians of all backgrounds.
Here, before me, a Canadian
ideal, unity in diversity,
has become a reality.
I wish you all a very happy
Canada Day.
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