OTTAWA, Jan. 21, 2015 /CNW/ - The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister for Multiculturalism, issued the following statement on Lincoln Alexander Day:
"It is with great pride that I mark the occasion of the very first Lincoln Alexander Day across Canada. On this date each year, Canadians will have the opportunity to be inspired by the life and work of a great Canadian.
"Born in 1922 to a father who was a porter and a mother who was a maid, Alexander was determined to obtain education and training, overcome prejudice, and pursue excellence.
"Following service in the Royal Canadian Air Force, Alexander became a lawyer, then Canada's first black M.P. and cabinet minister. In 1985, he was named Ontario's 24th Lieutenant Governor by Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Brian Mulroney.
"Afterwards Alexander was the longest serving Chancellor at the University of Guelph, from 1991 until 2007.
"When Alexander died, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said: 'Lincoln's legacy will live on through his family, through the schools and awards that bear his name and through the memories Canadians hold of his long record of distinguished public service.'
"Lincoln Alexander blazed trails. I hope his example will inspire the young and many generations to come."
Photos of Minister Kenney available at:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/francais/ministere/media/photos/haute-res/index.asp?
Building a stronger Canada: Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) strengthens Canada's economic, social and cultural prosperity, helping ensure Canadian safety and security while managing one of the largest and most generous immigration programs in the world.
SOURCE Citizenship and Immigration Canada
(media only), please contact: Alexandra Fortier, Minister's Office, 819-994-2482 Media Relations; Communications Branch, Citizenship and Immigration Canada, 613-952-1650, [email protected]
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