Colleagues, I rise today to recognize the beginning of Latin American Heritage Month, as well as Latin American and Hispanic Day on the Hill, which is being held today.

Every year, we are pleased to welcome hundreds of Latin American Canadians to Parliament to recognize our place in the Canadian society that has welcomed us. The Latin American community in Canada is strong in its diversity, its commitment and its desire to make Canada a country where people can live a good life and share their culture.

It is also my great pleasure to welcome the Latin American ambassadors who are at the Senate today. We have become a close family.

I would like to recognize the incredible work that each and every one of them does to solidify relations between Canada and their respective countries. We here in Canada are truly privileged to benefit from such strong friendships within the Americas. We share similar values of democracy, trade and multilateral cooperation. We also share one planet. The work we do together will help us better protect our habitats and our shared biodiversity, which includes migratory birds, marine mammals and the wonderful monarch.

As we enter this month of celebration, we also heard of the unfortunate passing of Her Excellency Adriana Solano Laclé, Ambassador of the Republic of Costa Rica. I extend my sincere condolences to the embassy of Costa Rica and to her fellow ambassadors.

Later today, I invite you to join us for a celebration of Latin American culture at the Sir John A. Macdonald Building, but I also invite you seek out Latin American events this month in your own specific provinces and communities. My fellow Latin American Canadians are welcoming people. They would be very happy to share a part of their heritage with each and every one of you.

Gracias. Meegwetch. Thank you.