Statement

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

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Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on Chinese New Year

January 21, 2011
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following greeting on Chinese New Year:

"It is my pleasure, on behalf of the Government of Canada to extend my best wishes as you celebrate the New Year. The year of the rabbit is said to be a time of calmness and tranquility. I hope that is true for you and for your families.

"Over the last year, the relationship between Canada and China has grown stronger.

"Canada's Pavilion at the Shanghai Expo was an unqualified success. And we reached an agreement on Approved Destination Status that will make it easier for Chinese Nationals to visit Canada.

"Of course, strong ties are a natural result of our great country having more than one million Canadians of Chinese descent making an important contribution to our national life all year long.

"In closing, I would like to wish you and your family much luck, happiness and good fortune in the year to come."

PMO Video: http://www.pm.gc.ca/Chinese

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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