The Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution

October 22, 2006

Niagara Falls, Ontario
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Check Against Delivery

Introduction

Members of the Hungarian-Canadian community; ladies and gentlemen.

It is a privilege to be here with you tonight as we commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution.

There’s a tradition by which a 50th Anniversary is known as the “golden anniversary”.

This is a time to observe the history:

o Of the strength of the Hungarian people, working together to collectively break free from the shackles of communism;

o And of the contributions made by Hungarian-Canadians to this country.

Hungarian Revolution

Canada was the first nation to ratify Hungary’s NATO accession, encouraging the political transformations of Hungary from the outset.

Following the Revolution of 1956, many Hungarians saw Canada as the destination to begin a new chapter of life.

But as many of you know, our Niagara Region has an extremely close relationship to this chapter in history.

In fact, this year marks the 100th Anniversary of the settlement of the first Hungarian families in Welland.

This year also marks the 85th Anniversary of the Hungarian Self Cultural Society.

Today, over 250,000 people living in Canada claim to be of Hungarian descent.

Hungarian-Canadians have a long-standing history of contributing to Canada.

o Particularly in our Region, in the construction of the Welland Canal.

And your contribution has not gone unnoticed.

I encourage you to visit Ottawa, where recently (October 4) an unveiling ceremony was held for The 1956 Canadian Hungary National Monument.

o This ceremony was held in the presence of :

• Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada; and

• His Excellency, Dr. László Sólyom, President of the Republic of Hungary.

Canada’s New Government: Getting Things Done

A lot has happened since Canada’s New Government took office in Ottawa.

After years of wasted time and stolen money that only benefited a privileged few, Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Canada’s New Government are getting things done for families and taxpayers.

By getting things done for families and taxpayers, Canada’s New Government is building a stronger Canada: a prosperous, secure, and clean Canada that is united at home and respected abroad.

Delivering Results

In a matter of mere months, Canada’s New Government has been getting things done for families and taxpayers.

The Government has:

• Begun to clean up government and politics by introducing the Federal Accountability Act;

• Delivered greater value-for money by spending less, and worked to keep the economy strong by cutting taxes and paying down the debt;

• Protected the Canadian way of life by tackling gun, gang, and drug crime;

• Kept Canada strong and united by working cooperatively with the provinces; and

• Protected Canada’s sovereignty and advanced Canada’s interests in the world.

Moving Forward with a Focused Agenda

While much has been accomplished, there’s still more to do. We need to keep getting things done for families and taxpayers.

Economy

Working to keep Canada’s economy strong, Canada’s New Government will:

• Finish implementing the tax cuts contained in Budget 2006-2007;

• Tackle waste and control federal spending;

• Continue to pay down the debt with structured payments; and

• Reduce red tape for entrepreneurs and business.

Tackling Crime

Canada’s New Government will continue tackling crime by:

• Combating the scourge of illegal drugs;

• Providing new funding for more police officers;

• Implementing tougher laws and longer sentences; and

• Protecting youth from sexual predators by raising the age of protection.

Environment

Healthy communities require a healthy environment.

Unlike the previous Government that was all bombast and no action, Canada’s New Government has a practical plan – to build a cleaner, greener Canada.

Canada’s New Government will:

• Implement a Clean Air Act;

• Protect Canadians’ personal health by banning dangerous toxic substances;

• Create and preserve more green spaces throughout the country;

• Enforce Canada’s environmental laws; and

• Enhance energy conservation measures.

Conclusion

Ladies and gentlemen, I appreciate your invitation to tonight’s event, and I would like to thank you for your community’s dedication to this country.

For Canada would certainly be a different place without the contributions of the Hungarian-Canadian community.

Thank you.