it is my pleasure and honour to offer our sincere best wishes and congratulations as we celebrate the Lunar New Year and the dawning of the Year of the Metal Rabbit.

I understand that the Year of the Rabbit symbolizes creativity, sensitivity, prudence, and compassion. This luckiest of Zodiac signs is modified every sixty years by the element metal which adds resilience and strength to those splendid qualities. It seems appropriate that we will have the benefit of these characteristics as our community embarks on another year of growth and cooperation. This most fortunate of signs also favours family values and friends, so it is a time to focus on loved ones and to cherish these relationships.

I am delighted to take this opportunity to express the sincere appreciation of all Victorians for the immense contributions of the Canadian-Chinese Community in building not only our City but our Province. Our partnership has resulted in the wonderful community that we all cherish and enjoy.

I look forward to continuing to march along the path of progress and cooperation with you in the New Year.

I wish you all every success for the New Year, personal prosperity and continued good health.