Honourable senators, I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a happy Lunar New Year.

It is my pleasure to be here with you, sharing part of my culture. Also called Spring Festival, many people from my home country of Singapore, along with China, Vietnam, Korea and other Asian countries, will be celebrating this holiday on February 12, welcoming the Year of the Ox.

As the Lunar New Year is one of the most important festivals in traditional Asian culture, it provides a time for families and friends to unite, reflect on the past and think about the future.

The fact that we take the time to acknowledge important cultural occasions such as these in the Senate is emblematic of Canada’s commitment to multiculturalism.

As this new year begins, the ox gives us hope for a new start. The ox represents hard work and honesty, and I believe these two traits will serve us well on the road ahead. The year 2020 was an unprecedented year for us all. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought us many challenges, but also hope that together we can overcome the obstacles ahead of us.

While we are celebrating the Lunar New Year with our loved ones, I would like to remind everyone to continue to follow guidelines from health officials.

Once again, I wish you all a happy Lunar New Year. Xin Nian Kuai Le. Xing Fu Ji Xiang. Xie xie. Thank you.