Prime Minister Stephen Harper kicks off Carnaval

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today helped kick off the 53rd Quebec Winter Carnival.  Tracing its roots to the early days of New France, this festival, the largest of its kind in the world, is a boisterous testament to the strength and vitality of Quebec’s culture. 

Joined by Minister of International Cooperation and Minister for La Francophonie and Official Languages Josée Verner, Prime Minister Harper addressed the thousands of attendees at the opening ceremony.

“Whatever our backgrounds, whether it is the Quebec Winter Carnival, the Calgary Stampede or the Stanley Cup, we are often brought together by tradition or events that remind us that our differences or problems are easily forgotten in moments of competition, celebration, or just plain fun,” said the Prime Minister.  “On behalf of Canada's New Government, I want to wish you a wonderful Winter Carnival.”

As Prime Minister Harper noted in his remarks, next year will mark the 400th anniversary of the founding of Quebec, which also marks the founding of the Canadian state.  In order to commemorate this significant anniversary, the Government of Canada with join with the provincial and municipal governments, as well as additional partners, in throwing a year-long celebration.