Mr. Speaker, today, March 20, marks Nowruz, the festival of new beginnings and rejuvenation. Observed on this day, the spring equinox, Nowruz is celebrated by numerous cultures around the world, including Persian, Afghan, Bahá'í, Ismaili and Kurdish peoples.
This past week, I had the pleasure of hosting a Nowruz celebration in my riding, which has one of the largest populations of Iranian Canadians and Afghan Canadians in the country. Our entire York Region Liberal caucus joined with the local community. We all want to extend a huge thanks to our Prime Minister, who took time to join us in support of the Iranian Canadian community. Whether to celebrate a festival of prosperity and new beginnings or to hold the Iran regime accountable for injustices perpetrated against its people, our government always stands with the Iranian Canadian community.
I also had the opportunity to attend a Nowruz celebration hosted by the Afghan Women's Organization Refugee and Immigrant Services. It was a fantastic opportunity to meet with so many vibrant and dynamic community leaders and to experience the cultural traditions of dance, poetry and music of the Afghan community.
Even as Canadians from different backgrounds celebrate Nowruz, we cannot forget the continuing struggle of the Iranian and Afghan people against human rights abuses and for equal rights for women. Canada and Canadians stand with all people in their fight for democratic liberties.
To everyone celebrating Nowruz today, let me say Har Ruz etan Nowrouz, Nowruz etan Pyrouz. Happy Nowruz.