The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Nowruz:

“Today, we join Persian, Kurdish, Afghan, Zoroastrian, Bahá’í, Central Asian, and Ismaili communities in Canada and around the world to celebrate Nowruz and the arrival of spring.

“To mark this occasion, families and friends will join together around the haft-seen table to reflect on new beginnings, enjoy music and food, and appreciate life’s many gifts.

“Nowruz – which means ‘new day’ in Farsi – marks the beginning of spring and the New Year in the Persian calendar. It is a time to look back on the year behind us, and turn toward the year ahead with optimism and hope. It is also an opportunity to reflect on the values of harmony, peace, and acceptance, and recommit ourselves to putting them into practice.

“These celebrations remind us that diversity is our greatest strength. Today, we take time to honour the many communities that observe Nowruz, and their important contributions to building a better Canada.

“On behalf of our family, Sophie and I wish everyone celebrating a happy, prosperous, and healthy Nowruz.

“Har Ruz etan Nowrouz, Nowruz etan Pyrouz.”

Nowruz is the name of the Iranian New Year, also known as the Persian New Year, which is celebrated worldwide by various ethno-linguistic groups as the beginning of the New Year. Although having Iranian and religious Zoroastrian origins, Nowruz has been celebrated by people from diverse ethno-linguistic communities …