Prime Minister Stephen Harper celebrates Diwali

October 08, 2009

OTTAWA – Prime Minister Stephen Harper today highlighted the Indo-Canadian community’s contributions to Canada during a Diwali celebration on Parliament Hill.

Diwali, or the ‘Festival of Lights,’ illuminates the universal hope of all people for the renewal of life and the triumph of good over evil,” said the Prime Minister.  “This is a journey that resonates with all Canadians and binds us together in our faith, dreams and aspirations for the future.”

The Prime Minister noted that the “growing Indo-Canadian community is at the forefront of Canada’s quest to build an even better country for generations to come.  From coast to coast to coast our country has been and continues to be immeasurably enriched by your contributions.”

Just as the Indo-Canadian community is growing ever larger, Canada’s relationship with India is growing ever stronger,” said the Prime Minister.  “Since our Government came to office nearly four years ago, we’ve been working tirelessly to build stronger, better relations with India.”

Canada and India have been working together on a number of agreements to enhance trade and investment.  The Harper Government has opened new trade offices in Hyderabad, Calcutta and Ahmedabad in addition to its Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Chandigarh and New Delhi offices.