KARACHI: Canada cares about prosperity of Pakistan and its people as Canadian government is interested in well-being of nations with sizeable population that has immigrated to Canada, said Canadian High Commissioner in Pakistan Perry J Calderwood at a reception to celebrate 150th anniversary of Canada.
He said Pakistan is one of the leading source countries of immigrants to Canada. He said Canada is a peaceful, pluralistic society with strong democratic values and the country is characterised by its diversity and inclusiveness and the country promotes multi-culturalism.
He said Canada welcomes some 300,000 immigrants every year which is nearly one percent of its population. He said Canadians continue the longstanding tradition of welcoming refugees. He said in 2016, Canada received nearly 40,000 Syrian refugees, many of whom were sponsored by local community groups and a similar number is being welcomed this year.
He said Canada’s commitment to inclusiveness is reflected in its political leadership.
He said for the first time in history, Canada’s federal cabinet, led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, is characterised by gender parity, with women occupying half of the ministerial portfolios. The cabinet includes several ministers who were born outside of Canada, such as the Immigration minister, who came to Canada as a refugee from Somalia. Calderwood said Canada is proud that all Canadians are equal and can aspire to occupy the highest offices in the land, whether they became citizens last week, or their ancestors arrived in Canada centuries ago. This means that rights of all citizens, regardless of race, religion, language, gender, sexual orientation or disabilities are respected and that everyone has a contribution to make, he said. He said that history has taught Canadians that inclusiveness and respect for diversity provide the best foundation for a prosperous, secure and well-governed country.
The Canadian envoy said that valuing diversity also extends to Canada’s foreign relations as it cares about the security and prosperity of countries where our fellow Canadians come from, and where they have families and friends. He said Pakistan has been a major recipient of Canadian development and humanitarian assistance. The event was largely attended by diplomats, government and military officials and politicians.
Published in Daily Times, December 11th 2017.
