I am pleased to send my warmest greetings to everyone celebrating the Chinese New Year at the Ottawa presentation of the Divine Performing Arts 2009 World Tour.

As Canadians, we take great pride in preserving the heritage of our ancestors, ensuring that succeeding generations will understand and appreciate their history. Whether Canadian by birth or by adoption, whether our roots extend beyond these borders or are just breaking ground, we gain invaluable knowledge about each other and ourselves by sharing our traditions, customs and beliefs.

This celebration, and many others like it being held in communities across Canada, reflects the beauty of our nation’s rich cultural tapestry. I hope you will all have an equally delightful opportunity to give thanks for past lessings and to usher in the Year of the Ox with hope, good health and happiness.

Michaëlle Jean
January 2009

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