Minister Responsible for Multiculturalism Teresa Wat issued the following statement today.

“It gives me great pleasure to wish the Chinese community and all people of British Columbia a happy Lunar New Year in the Year of the Ram.

“The Lunar New Year is an important Chinese traditional holiday, highlighting family, fresh starts and seasonal renewal. It is a time of celebration and preparation for the New Year, and an ushering of good fortune into the lives of our neighbours and friends.

“The Ram signifies energy and inspiration, which is very appropriate as our province directs its energy to attract new investment, diversify our markets and weather the global economic storm.

“For decades, generations of hard-working Chinese-Canadians have helped make our province the diverse and innovative place that it is today. As we look forward to the New Year, we also look to work with the Chinese-Canadian community to address historical wrongs and create a meaningful legacy for all British Columbians.

“In October 2014 we created the Legacy Initiatives Advisory Council (LIAC) to advise government on how to implement recommendations in the Chinese Historical Wrongs Consultation Final Report.

“The advisory council is working with Chinese-Canadian communities and other key partners to ensure legacy projects are successfully implemented. There’s a lot of work taking place on the projects and I am looking forward to celebrating and marking their many milestones.

“Recently, we invited the public to participate in a project that will lead to the registration of 10 historic places that have significance to B.C.’s Chinese community and reflect the development and history of the province.

“Due to enthusiastic response and many inquiries, on LIAC's and Heritage BC's recommendation, we have extended the deadline for 10 days to March 2. Please take the time to nominate a place you’d like recognized. You will find information on the nomination process on the Heritage BC website.

“LIAC is also working in collaboration with the University of Victoria and the BC Museums Association to undertake a provincial inventory of Chinese-Canadian artifacts in local and regional museums.

“As well, government is producing a book to celebrate the contributions of Chinese-British Columbians to the diversity and prosperity of the province. A contract has now been awarded to research, write and produce this Celebration Book, with the LIAC serving in an advisory role concerning the selection of themes and profiles of notable Chinese-British Columbians.

“Information on LIAC and the legacy projects can be found on the EmbraceBC website.

“Cultural diversity and increased participation and engagement by all cultures are vitally important to create a strong and vibrant social and economic future for British Columbia.

“Our premier, Christy Clark, has been leading B.C. with vision and prudence. She has always said we can't spend our children's and grandchildren's money and leave them with our debt.

“Again, with the budget announced yesterday, this is our government's third consecutive balanced budget that respects good fiscal managements and is building towards a stronger, more diversified economy.

“I am honoured and privileged to be entrusted by you to be your Minister of Multiculturalism. Multiculturalism in B.C. must serve the greater good of all British Columbians. I welcome your input and by continuing to work together, we will build a stronger B.C.

“As we look forward to the Lunar New Year, I say Gung Hay Fat Choy or Gong Xi Fa Cai - wishing you and your family joy, good health, peace and prosperity.”

Learn More:

For a photo of Minister Teresa Wat please click on the following link: http://www.gov.bc.ca/premier/executive/images/highres/teresa_wat.jpg

Heritage BC: http://www.heritagebc.ca/blog?articleid=162

EmbraceBC: http://www.embracebc.ca/embracebc/community/apology_for_historical_wrongs.page?WT.svl=Centre

Media Contacts:

Media Relations
Ministry of International Trade and Responsible for the Asia Pacific Strategy and Multiculturalism
250 356-7293