Statement made on 10 February 2011 by Senator Joseph Day
Hon. Joseph A. Day:
Honourable senators, I rise today to discuss the Lunar New Year and its significance in Canada. While the Lunar New Year is often referred to as the Chinese New Year, there are, in fact, many other countries and regions that celebrate the Lunar New Year at this time.
This year, the Lunar New Year fell on February 3. In our Gregorian calendar, the Lunar New Year may fall anywhere between January 21 and February 20, as determined by the arrival of the second new moon after the winter solstice.
The lunar calendar is based on the cycles of the moon, which repeat themselves every 12 years, honourable senators, and a system of animal signs to date the years. The lunar calendar represents a cyclical concept of time and life, which contrasts with our Western linear concept, an interesting difference that may explain our different ways of looking at matters.
China, Korea, Vietnam, Mongolia and other Eastern countries all celebrate the Lunar New Year on the same date. Combined, citizens descended from these groups account for nearly 2 million Canadians.
Honourable senators, I believe it is important to be aware that many Canadians, as well as others around the world, are celebrating what is an important event to them. Collectively, these Canadians have helped to make Canada the diverse and culturally rich country that it is.
Although the Western calendar has been adopted in many of these countries since the early 1900s, the lunar calendar events are still celebrated, and particularly the Lunar New Year.
Honourable senators, imagine the bridge that these Canadians can help Canada make with the countries of their ancestors. Chinese-Canadians alone account for nearly 1.3 million of our population, around 3.9 per cent of the entire Canadian population. The third most frequently spoken language in Canada, behind English and French, is Chinese.
Honourable senators, 2010 was an important year for Canada-China relations. It marked the fortieth anniversary of diplomatic relations between our countries.
The Lunar New Year is the Year of the Rabbit. The Year of the Rabbit is said to be a year to slow down and relax. It is a year to negotiate and not use force to resolve issues.
Honourable senators, given the issues facing this country, this seems to be a wise path for this place to follow. It is important for us to work cooperatively in our challenges, to perform our work here in the best interests of the people and the regions we represent, and to deal with the issues calmly and logically.
Honourable senators, this evening, at 6:30 p.m., the Canada-China Legislative Association will co-host a Chinese New Year's celebration, along with the Ottawa Chinese-Canadian Heritage Centre. The event takes place at the Government Conference Centre, across from the Château Laurier Hotel, and I hope many honourable senators will be able to attend this important function for the Lunar New Year.