Alberta Leaders Welcome Year of the Fire Horse in Calgary's Chinatown Celebration
Provincial leaders gathered in Calgary's vibrant Chinatown on Sunday morning to celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Fire Horse, participating in traditional festivities hosted by the Chinese Cultural Centre of Calgary. The event featured the popular dragon and lion dances that temporarily closed a section of 1st Street S.W., drawing community members and officials alike.
Premier Expresses Gratitude for Chinese Community Contributions
During a special VIP reception, Premier Danielle Smith expressed heartfelt appreciation for Alberta's Chinese community, acknowledging their significant cultural and economic impact on the province. "I'm so grateful to Alberta's Chinese community for believing in our province and for doing so much to make it even better culturally and economically," Smith stated. "You share with us the gifts of one of the world's oldest civilizations. Your food, your art, your literature, your languages and so much more."
The Premier highlighted recent developments that promise enhanced opportunities, noting, "With the recent announcement of a strategic partnership between Canada and China, there will be lots of opportunities for your community to shine and to help Alberta grow."
Education Minister Praises Academic Excellence
Minister of Advanced Education Myles McDougall echoed Smith's sentiments, emphasizing the outstanding achievements of Chinese students in Alberta's educational institutions. "Chinese students consistently excel in our colleges, public techniques and universities. They are leaders in engineering, business, health sciences, technology and research," McDougall remarked.
He further explained how these contributions strengthen the province's global position: "Many go on to build companies, create jobs, and strengthen Alberta's global connections. Our research is stronger, our workforce is stronger, and as Alberta continues to grow and compete on the global stage, the connections between our province and Asia, and especially China, will continue to create opportunities for students, entrepreneurs, and families alike."
Historical Significance and Future Optimism
Calgary Centre MP Greg McLean provided historical context, noting that the last Year of the Fire Horse occurred in 1996, a period marked by significant global events. "I think we're going to see some great changes for the country, for our province, for our city, for our cultures here in the city," McLean predicted. "We're going to thrive in this year. We're going to have some bold changes, great things."
Consulate-General of the People's Republic of China in Calgary Zhao Liying also addressed attendees, thanking the Chinese Cultural Centre of Calgary for promoting cultural integration and people-to-people exchanges between China and Canada. The event served as a powerful demonstration of cross-cultural collaboration and community spirit.
The celebration included the traditional waking of the dragon ceremony, with Premier Smith and Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women Tanya Fir participating alongside community leaders. The festival underscored the deep-rooted contributions of Calgary's Chinese community to the province's diverse cultural landscape and economic vitality.
