Message from the Governor General of Canada on International Mother Language Day 2015

EDMONTON — His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada extended his best wishes to everyone marking International Mother Language Day in a message addressed to the president of Bangladesh PressClub Centre of Alberta (BPCA), Delwar Jahid:

[...] One of Canada’s greatest strengths is its rich diversity. We are known throughout the world as a shining example of a truly multicultural society, where respect for others is paramount. I am filled with tremendous pride when I visit communities across the country and meet with citizens whose origins are as varied as the languages they speak. Today — and every day, in fact — Canadians are free to celebrate their native languages and to share their traditions and customs with one another. In doing so, we can all learn how much we have in common. [...]

About the initiative “A Celebration of Mother Language in Canada”

BPCA, the Bangladesh PressClub Centre of Alberta, is promoting International Mother Language Day on February 21st in an effort to bring the people of all nations together to celebrate each and everyone's mother language, culture and heritage. The celebration can be understood as a reminder of the importance of linguistic and cultural diversity, and the occasion is a chance to build peace and understanding between all nations and ethnic groups around the world. For International Mother Language Day in 2015, BPCA has drafted a basic program to be held at the University of MacEwan in Edmonton, Alberta of Canada. More information about the initiative and the event can be found at www.motherlanguageday.ca.

Jim Prentice, Premier of Alberta, Maureen Kubenic, Minister of Culture and Tourism in Alberta and Flor Marcelino, Minister of Multiculturalism and Literacy in Manitoba also sent their greetings to BPCA and the celebrants of International Mother Language Day 2015 in support of BPCA’s initiative.