Statement
OTTAWA, March 17, 2019
Today, people in Canada and around the world celebrate St. Patrick's Day. This festival commemorates Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, and is one of the most popular Irish traditions. St. Patrick's Day is celebrated across the country with parades, traditional music and dance. It offers an opportunity to recognize the immense contributions of Canada's Irish community and to showcase its rich culture and heritage.
Our country is proud to have more than 4.5 million Canadians of Irish origin. From Vancouver to St. John's, the Irish have made a significant contribution to building the welcoming, diverse, inclusive, and prosperous country we know today.
As Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism, I invite all Canadians to take part in St. Patrick's Day celebrations. Happy St. Patrick's Day! Lá fhéile Pádraig sona dhaoibh!
