Ministerial Statement from MLA Mike de Jong

Ministerial Statement

June 17, 2011

Minister of Health and Abbotsford West MLA Michael de Jong issued the following statement today in regard to the presentation of a provincial proclamation declaring/recognizing Cycling for Diversity.

“Today I congratulate all those who are contributing to the respect for and enhancement of diversity within our community and our province,” declared the Minister during presentation of the proclamation June 17 at The Reach community gallery.

The proclamation recognizes the efforts of a group of cyclists from Abbotsford and Mission, led by local resident Ken Herar, who cycled some 200 kilometres over four days, riding from Mission to Victoria and back, to raise awareness about cultural diversity. The group stopped in communities throughout the Fraser Valley, including Abbotsford, Langley, Surrey, New Westminster, Burnaby, Vancouver and Richmond as well as Victoria.

The cyclists also visited several elementary and secondary schools on their tour, participating in civic celebrations and meeting with civic leaders.

“I am very impressed with the efforts of these cyclists to ensure so many people recognized the importance of cultural diversity and the great impact it has on the province today, and into the future. Immigration, and the strength of cultural diversity that brings to our province, is what will continue to keep the economic well-being of British Columbia strong well into our future,” explained Minister de Jong.

The cycling tour began May 18 and continued through May 21, which was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly as “World Day for Cultural Diversity”.

The provincial proclamation presented by Minister de Jong stated, in part, “The cultural diversity of British Columbia contributes greatly to life in our Province” and “British Columbia is committed to the ideal of a harmonious society based on mutual respect”.

Minister de Jong made the presentation to Ken Herar and Abbotsford City Councillor Bill McGregor, who accepted on behalf of the other cyclists who participated including Alexandria Mitchell, Sukhi Dhami, Abbotsford Deputy Police Chief Rick Lucy, Pat Peron, Chris Singer, Cheryl Tallman and Langley City Councillor Dave Hall.