Message from the Honourable Bardish Chagger, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister of Small Business and Tourism, for the Lunar New Year Day Dinner

On behalf of the Government of Canada, welcome to the Lunar New Year Day Dinner!

Congratulations to the Federation of Chinese Canadians in Markham and Taste of Asia Festival Committee on organizing this amazing celebration.

As Minister of Small Business and Tourism, one of my priorities is to promote closer people-to-people ties between Canada and China through increased tourism. This year we are celebrating the Canada-China Year of Tourism.

We are hoping to welcome a record number of Chinese visitors to our beautiful country, to see firsthand the diversity and dynamic spirit that makes our country such a great place to live, and to visit. What is more, this will have a real benefit for the Canadian economy. Tourism is our largest service export, and supports 1.8 million jobs, from coast to coast to coast.

The Government of Canada values its relationship with China – a relationship that dates back 48 years. In our modern, global economy, China is now Canada’s second-largest trading partner. And as we look to the future, we are ready to build on this success and take the relationship to new heights in the years to come.

To learn more about the Canada-China Year of Tourism, I encourage you to visit Canada.ca/ccyt2018.

Best wishes for a prosperous and successful year in 2018!

新年快乐!

Sincerely,

Hon. Bardish Chagger, P.C.
Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
Minister of Small Business and Tourism
Member of Parliament for Waterloo