I rise today to inform this Honourable House that March 21th to the 27th is Multiculturalism Week for the province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Starting this celebratory week on March 21 has special significance because the day is designated by the United Nations as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. March 21, 2010, also marks the third anniversary of the launch of the Provincial Government's Immigration Strategy.

This government views increased immigration as a partial solution to the skills shortages and demographic challenges faced by our province.

I am pleased to report that we are experiencing positive results with our Immigration Strategy — both in terms of attracting newcomers who are contributing to the prosperity of the province and in promoting inclusive, welcoming communities across the province.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to the promotion of inclusive citizenship, welcoming communities and cross-cultural understanding where the cultural diversity of all people is valued, supported and enhanced, I am honoured to recognize a number of people present in our gallery today who have enriched our province by making it their chosen home.

To support Multiculturalism Week, the provincial Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism, through partnerships with many organizations and community groups, has organized a series of special events called Together We Rock! Celebrating Multiculturalism Across the Province.

I invite all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to symbolically show our respect for all cultures by lighting multi-coloured lights outside our homes during Multiculturalism Week in the same way that the Provincial Government has added welcoming lights to the Confederation Building. I also encourage everyone to attend the many pot-lucks, culture nights, educational seminars, and other events organized by community volunteers throughout the province as part of the Together We Rock! festivities.

I would like to conclude by congratulating our partners and volunteers for organizing such a wonderful tribute to celebrate all cultures, as we collectively weave a bright, vibrant, prosperous future for the great province of Newfoundland and Labrador.