By Rhonda Massad
www.thesuburban.com
An impressive list of VIPs joined more than 300 people and close to 130 artists to celebrate the New Year with the West Island Chinese Community Centre (WICCC).
Director Ching Li greeted an elegant line up of dignitaries such as Consul General Jiangping Zhao, Quebec Immigration, Diversity and Inclusiveness Minister Kathleen Weil, Minister of Finance Carlos Leitão, MP Lysanne Blanchette-Lamothe and MP Francis Scarpaleggia.
Quebec Immigration, Diversity and Inclusiveness Minister Kathleen Weil went on to wish health and happiness in the New Year and praise the WICCC’s broad reach in the community that works hard to make sure that everyone has a place in Quebec’s society.
“My role as Immigration Minister is to make sure that nobody is left out and that everyone can contribute to our prosperity and our future,” she told the crowd.
“China often ranks in the top two or three countries that immigrate to Quebec each year. We receive thousands of Chinese students that are in our universities and this contributes greatly to our development.” Weil explained. “We also have special program for those who wish to remain in Quebec after their
studies.”
Colorful performances by volunteers from Montreal Center of Chinese Culture and Arts, Tamil Dance School, Meng-Shi-Sheng Chorus, Montreal Confucius School, PAMANA ng LuzViMinda, Marianoplois Hallyu Club and Senior Club of the West Island Chinese Community Center entertained an energetic audience.
To all The Suburban’s Chinese readers Happy New Year:
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