February 22, 2007
Lunar New Year Celebrations

Many British Columbians are celebrating lunar new year this week. Last Sunday I participated in the lunar new year parade in Vancouver's Chinatown with the Lieutenant-Governor, the Attorney General and many other members of the House. An estimated 50,000 spectators and over 50 community organizations participated this year in this multicultural event.

On Sunday I also participated in celebrations organized by the B.C. Taiwan Chamber of Commerce and the Burnaby Crystal Mall. An evening gala with 1,000 people completed the day. Many countries and territories, especially those in the Asia-Pacific region, celebrate the lunar new year, also known as the spring festival.

In mainland China the spring festival comes with a seven-day public holiday; in Taiwan, five days; Vietnam, four days; in Korea, Hong Kong and Macau, three days; Malaysia and Singapore, two days; Brunei and Indonesia, one day. This holiday allows family and friends to spend time together.

Although there is no public holiday in Canada to celebrate lunar new year, there are celebrations in many Canadian cities. Canada Post has issued postage stamps and numismatic coins for years to commemorate the spring festival.

British Columbia, as a gateway for Canada to the Asia-Pacific, has established many economic and cultural linkages with the Asia-Pacific region. Presently there are no public holidays between New Year's Day and Good Friday in British Columbia. Perhaps it's time to consider proclaiming a public multicultural holiday to celebrate the spring festival.

Xin nian kuai le. Sun nin fai lok. Sin ni khoai lok. Sae hae bok manhi baduseyo. Gong xi fa cai.

[Text provided by R. Lee.]