Ottawa, February 25 — The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, issued the following statement recognizing Losar, the Tibetan New Year.
“Today marks the first day of 2136, the Year of the Earth Ox, on the Tibetan calendar.
“I offer my best wishes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama as well as the Tibetan community on this day. A year and a half ago, I had the privilege of meeting His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Ottawa.
“For many people of Tibetan heritage living in Canada, Losar is a time for renewal and purification, a time for gathering with family, friends and the larger community.
“For all Canadians, Losar provides an excellent opportunity to think about the tremendous contributions that members of the Tibetan community have made to this country’s rich and diverse heritage.
“Over the years, I have personally enjoyed participating in Losar festivities and it is undoubtedly a very important day for Tibetan-Canadians.
“This year, according to media reports, a great many Losar celebrations have been cancelled, and I fully understand the desire for a more reflective, personal Losar observance.
“As Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, I hope the new year brings peace to you all, preserves your optimism and nurtures hope for the future.”
