Hon. Victor Oh: Honourable senators, it is my honour to rise today to offer my greetings to all those celebrating the Lunar New Year and its annual Spring Festival.

The arrival of 2023 has ushered in the Year of the Rabbit. In Asian traditions, the rabbit is known as a symbol of peace, prosperity and longevity. The rabbit also offers us hope for new opportunities.

Senator McPhedran just told me she’s a rabbit. I’m sure we have more than one in the chamber.

The first day of the Lunar New Year began on January 23 and is a special holiday in my culture. Traditionally, it is an occasion for time spent with family, friends and community. For Chinese Canadians in particular, it is also a time to reconnect with our cultural origins.

Every Lunar New Year, countless Chinese-Canadian community organizations from coast to coast to coast do a wonderful job of promoting our cultural heritage. This year is particularly special as it is the first time since the pandemic that celebrations and gatherings were able to take place in large groups.

Senators, multiculturalism is at the heart of what makes Canada the greatest country in the world. We celebrate diversity and openness, and because of this, celebrations such as the Lunar New Year can take place without the fear of protest or violence.

These cultural holidays should continue to be opportunities for highlighting customs, bridging communities and sharing in long‑standing traditions.

In closing, I would like to wish you and your loved ones a healthy and prosperous Year of the Rabbit.

Thank you, xie xie.