“The joyous and lively celebrations of St. Patrick’s Day have been a great Canadian tradition for more than 250 years, a reflection of the long and illustrious history of Canadians of Irish descent.
“More than four million Canadians trace their ancestry back to Ireland. Our Irish story is typified by those who fled the tragedy of the Great Famine. They arrived with nothing, but they and their descendants became a credit to Canada, which welcomed them with open arms.
“Among the countries of the Irish Diaspora, Canada was unique in receiving roughly equal numbers of Irish from both the Catholic ‘green’ and the Protestant ‘orange’ traditions – in a way, reflecting Canada’s pluralism.
“For Irish Canadians, this is a day to commemorate the life of Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, and to honour their ancient heritage.
“As Minister for Multiculturalism, and as a proud Irish descendant, I wish all Canadians who are celebrating a blessed St. Patrick’s Day.
“Sláinte mhaith!”
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