For Immediate Release
June 10, 2016
Mayor Crombie Marks Portugal Day
The following is a statement by Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie marking the occasion of Portugal Day and Portuguese Month, which takes place every June:
“On behalf of the City of Mississauga and Members of Council, I join with our City’s vibrant, active, and engaged Portuguese community to recognize the much anticipated occasion of Portugal Day.
“June is also Portuguese Heritage Month. This is an opportunity for residents to pay tribute to the important, enriching and lasting contributions that the community has made to Mississauga and across Canada.
“Some of the earliest families of Portuguese descent arrived to our community beginning as early as 1954, coming predominantly from the islands of Azores and Madeira. Since then, Portuguese-Canadians have made important and lasting contributions to build places like Mississauga, into world-class cities where all people are better positioned to succeed. Today, Mississauga is home to Cristo Rei Parish and Portuguese Cultural Centre. These institutions stand as a testament to the importance of our City’s own Portuguese community.
“In honour of Portugal Day, the national flag of Portugal was raised at Mississauga Celebration Square today. This is the first flag raising as part of Mississauga’s new Community Recognition Program.
“The Community Recognition Program is set to officially launch later this month. The Program will help bring awareness to special occasions and events that foster a spirit of community and contribute to enriching the quality of life in Mississauga while displaying our diversity.
“Diversity is one of our biggest strengths, and the Portuguese community is one of the many cultures which continue to play an important role toward making Mississauga a more inclusive, welcoming, and dynamic place to live, work and achieve success.”
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