Premier Christy Clark issued the following statement on Diwali:

"I want to extend my best wishes to everyone celebrating Diwali - the Festival of Lights - and wish everyone all the best in the coming year.

"Diwali celebrates the triumph of light over dark, knowledge over ignorance and good over evil. It brings us together despite our differences to celebrate values that connect all of us - hope, friendship and good will.

"It is a time to celebrate all of the things that are most important in our lives - friends, families and neighbours who mean so much to us.

"Diwali reminds us of our province's diverse ethnic and cultural canvas, which enriches all of our lives. When we live, work and celebrate together, when we all do all this with mutual respect and harmony, there is nothing we can't achieve.

"I encourage British Columbians of all faiths to come together to experience the rich culture of our province's South Asian communities by taking part in one of the many vibrant Diwali festivities across the province.

"I wish all British Columbians a happy Diwali."

Contact:

Mike Morton
Press Secretary
Office of the Premier
250 588-8380