On the second day of her working visit in Canada, Her Excellency Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, the President of Malta, accompanied by the presidential delegation, attended a symbolic Flag Raising Ceremony at the Malta Park, an area of historical connection to the Maltese-Canadian community.
During the Flag Raising Ceremony, the President conveyed her heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims of the deadly van attack, which took place in Toronto on April 23. Her Excellency also paid respect to the Maltese diaspora.
President Coleiro Preca and her delegation then joined the Maltese community for Sunday mass at St Paul the Apostle Church, in the “Little Malta” area of Toronto.
At a meeting with the Maltese community, held after the mass, the President said, “Wherever Maltese and Gozitan people have gone they have made a success, and contributed to the prosperity of their new home.”
President Coleiro Preca also commended the strong connection that the Maltese community and their descendants have made with Canadian society. The diaspora in Canada numbers 160,000 of Maltese descendants, with 40,000 in Toronto alone.
While addressing the Maltese community, Her Excellency also said that, “The diaspora is giving Malta important visibility, as the Maltese have gained the reputation of being hard-working and peace-loving. Malta is so proud of you.”