March 9, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ottawa, ON – The Honourable Andrew Scheer, Leader of Canada’s Conservatives and of the Official Opposition, issued the following statement on Holi:

“Today marks the beginning of Holi, when Hindu Canadians will join their friends, families and communities to celebrate the spring festival. 

“Also known as the ‘Festival of Colours’, Holi symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. Celebrations include singing, dancing, lighting bonfires, and sharing meals as well as painting one another with coloured powders and dyes. Bringing together Canadians from various walks of life and diverse backgrounds, this joyous occasion promotes unity and is marked in communities across Canada. 

“In 2018, during my trip to India, I was fortunate to experience firsthand beautiful Hindu traditions and pay my respects at the Swaminarayan Akshardham Mandir. This Hindu temple exhibits millennia of rich traditional Hindu and Indian culture. It is a place of stunningly beautiful architecture where many Hindus find peace.

“Holi is an opportunity to reflect on the significant contributions that Canada’s Hindu community has made to our country’s rich heritage. Canada is a wonderfully diverse nation, and the reason why waves and waves of immigrants from all corners of the world have come to Canada is because we are free. We are free to worship and to lead a life of faith in the public square. We are free to speak. And we are free to believe. Diversity is the result of our strength and our strength is and always has been our freedom.

“On behalf of Canada’s Conservatives, I would like to extend my best wishes to everyone celebrating Holi.

“Holi Hai!”

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For more information, please contact:

Julie Pham

(613) 947-9932

Julie.Pham@parl.gc.ca

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