Premier David Eby has issued the following statement marking Lunar New Year:

“This year, Lunar New Year begins tomorrow and heralds the start of the Year of the Snake.

“As we join people in B.C. and millions of celebrants around the world, we say goodbye to the Year of the Dragon and celebrate the beginning of a new year.

“The Year of the Snake represents wisdom, transformation, calmness and creativity – all things that will help us meet the opportunities and challenges that we will see this coming year.

“Beginning with the first new moon of the lunar calendar and ending with the first full moon, Lunar New Year marks a time for people to gather with family and friends, enjoy traditional foods and hand out lucky red envelopes or ‘lucky money.’

“Throughout the province, people will be celebrating Lunar New Year with banquets, festivals and other cultural events. Every year my family looks forward to the Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival Celebration, which features a colourful procession with lion and dragon dancers and other cultural performers.

“This is also a time for all the people in British Columbia to reflect and appreciate the cultural diversity that has strengthened our province for generations, and is a reminder of the incredible contributions that Asian Canadians make to B.C.

“From my family to yours, I wish you a prosperous Year of the Snake!

“Kung Hei Fat Choi! Gong Xi Fa Cai! Chúc Mừng Năm Mới! Saehae bok mani badeuseyo!”