The leaders of the three main political parties in Canada, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, released statements to send their Thai Pongal wishes to the Tamil Canadian community this week.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, issued the following statement.
“Today, Tamil communities in Canada and around the world will mark the beginning of Thai Pongal, also known as the harvest festival.
“During Thai Pongal, families and friends gather to give thanks for an abundant harvest and look to the future with hope. It is a time of joy, peace, and community that is marked with making pongal. This traditional dish of rice and milk symbolizes good luck and prosperity for the year ahead.
“In January, Canada also celebrates Tamil Heritage Month, an opportunity for all of us to reflect on the vibrant history, resilience, and strength of Tamil Canadians. Our country is home to one of the largest Tamil diasporas in the world, and their ongoing contributions help make Canada more diverse, prosperous, and inclusive.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I wish a happy Thai Pongal to everyone celebrating.
“Iniya Thai Pongal Valthukkal.”.
Pierre Poilievre, leader of the Conservative Party of Canada and leader of the Official Opposition of Canada, released the following video statement.
“Today Tamil communities marked the beginning of Thai Pongal.
Together they honour the unique festival as they celebrate the harvest and bringing home that harvest to give thanks for the many blessings for many years.
The Tamil people have endured incredible hardship, but through the fires of war and genocide. Their language traditions and culture and persistence, and now Tamils are contributing so much to Canada as entrepreneurs, professionals, community leaders, soldiers, sailors and airmen in our armed forces.
This January during Tamil Heritage Month, Canada's common sense Conservatives renew our commitment to helping Tamils turn their hurt of the past into the hope of the future.
And we will continue to the work started by Conservative Stephen Harper, when he boycotted the Commonwealth summit in Sri Lanka, to protest the mistreatment of the Tamil community in that country. We will build on the work of the great Conservative Brian Mulroney, who welcomed countless Tamils as refugees and immigrants to help build this country.
Under another Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre, Canada will lead the world in demanding accountability for the perpetrators of the Tamil genocide. We will hold the Rajapaksa regime to account for their crimes.
And here at home, we will restore Canada’s promise for Tamils with a Blue Seal Test and Standard allowing Tamil professionals to prove they're qualified and quickly get to work as doctors, nurses, engineers, architects and other high paying professionals. We will stand with Tamils to restore safe streets and we will lower taxes so that you pay less and bring home more. To Tamil families across the country, as you celebrate together happy Tamil heritage month. Happy Thai Pongal.”
Jagmeet Singh, the leader of the New Democratic Party, tweeted the following message.
I wish all Tamils celebrating in Canada and around the world – a joyous Thai Pongal celebration with loved ones and a happy Tamil Heritage Month.
— Jagmeet Singh (@theJagmeetSingh) January 15, 2024
Iniya Thai Pongal Valthuklal!
Iniya Thai Pongal Valthuklal!"I wish all Tamils celebrating in Canada and around the world – a joyous Thai Pongal celebration with loved ones and a happy Tamil Heritage Month.
