Honourable senators, October is Korean Heritage Month in Canada, a time to celebrate the vibrant culture, rich traditions and enduring contributions of the Korean-Canadian community across the country.

This year is particularly meaningful as 2025 marks the seventy-fifth anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War, a war that shaped not only the Korean Peninsula but also the deep bonds between Korea and Canada and other allied nations whose veterans fought for the values of freedom and democracy.

On October 1, the Korean Canadian Association for Korean Heritage Month held a flag-raising ceremony in Ottawa City Hall marking the official beginning of Korean Heritage Month. It was a proud and dignified moment that brought together community members and supporters in celebration of Korean culture and history.

On the same day, inaugural flag-raising events took place at the city halls of both Aurora and Hamilton, Ontario, and just a few hours ago, we gathered on the lawns of Parliament Hill for the second annual Korea Day on the Hill flag-raising ceremony.

Today I’m also honoured to welcome the Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, Young-gi Ahn; Consul General Hyun-Woo Lim; leaders of the Ottawa community; and members of the United Korean Commerce & Industry Association of Canada, or UKCIA.

UKCIA represents thousands of Korean entrepreneurs and industry leaders from coast to coast. Their mission is to promote economic collaboration, foster entrepreneurship and create opportunities for growth not only within the Korean-Canadian community but also through partnerships that strengthen the broader Canadian economy. By engaging with policy-makers, community organizations and fellow business leaders, UKCIA is helping to ensure that Korean-Canadian businesses have a voice at the national level, and that their innovation, resilience and global outlook are recognized as vital to Canada’s economic future.

As we celebrate Korean Heritage Month, let us reflect on this enduring bond, honour those who defended it and look ahead to an even brighter future together.

I also invite all senators to join me this evening in Room 100 of the Sir John A. Macdonald Building for the National Foundation Day and Korean Heritage Month reception, cohosted by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea. You are guaranteed to sample very tasty Korean food. That’s a promise.

Thank you. Gamsahamnida.