Honourable senators, Lunar New Year holds special significance in Canada as a time of celebration, reflection and cultural diversity. In Canada, the Lunar New Year serves as an opportunity to appreciate and embrace the diversity that strengthens our social fabric.

As Canadians of East Asian descent — particularly Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese communities — gather with family, friends and communities, Lunar New Year is a vibrant tapestry of cultural expressions, delicious cuisines and festive performances for everyone to enjoy. Colourful parades, traditional dragon and lion dances and the exchange of white or red envelopes symbolize the renewal of hope, prosperity and good fortune in the coming year.

In homes and community venues across Canada and Korea — in the Korean community — there will be dduk-gook, which is a delicious traditional Korean soup with slices of rice cake and dumplings. It will be served along with other tasty dishes. Many will wear hanboks — traditional clothing made of exquisite silk and other fabrics, beautifully embroidered. Children and young adults will do saebae — deep bows of respect to their elders in exchange for gifts of money in white envelopes. As well, there will be fun games like yut nori, a traditional game played with four sticks and a game board, which can be played with fierce competition by the entire family or community. My family will gather in celebration of Seollal, the Lunar New Year, on February 10.

In addition to celebrating Seollal on February 10, I hope to participate in several events taking place in metro Vancouver in my home province of B.C. On February 9, I will attend the annual Lunar New Year countdown at Aberdeen Centre in Richmond, B.C., with Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, former minister of seniors Alice Wong and several parliamentary colleagues. On Saturday, I will attend the luncheon with members of the Korean community. On Sunday, February 11, there will be the annual Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival Parade that will attract thousands of people along the parade route. I will also attend the 2024 Chinese New Year gala celebration hosted by the White Rock & South Surrey Chinese Association.

Honourable senators, 2024 is the Year of the Blue Dragon, and in Asian cultures, the dragon holds a significant place as an auspicious and extraordinary creature, unparalleled in talent and excellence. It symbolizes power, nobility, honour, luck and success. The year 2024 is forecasted to bring about opportunities, changes and challenges. As we enter the Year of the Blue Dragon, may the traditions of this festive occasion continue to inspire unity and goodwill across our nation.