Ottawa, ON – The Hon. Pierre Poilievre, Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, released the following statement on National Acadian Day:
“We think of ourselves as a young country, but Canada’s history is deep. Over two centuries before Confederation, the first French families crossed the Atlantic to settle a land they would call Acadia, leaving the only homes they knew to build a future in the New World.
“Today, we honour the descendants of these intrepid pioneers. Canada’s proud and resilient Acadian community has shaped the destiny of our nation from the very beginning. Even through the cataclysm of the Great Upheaval, Acadians have held fast to their traditions: forging their own story as a boldly Francophone people on North America’s shores.
“Theirs is a story of remarkable and talented Canadians like Aubin-Edmond Arsenault – Canada’s first Acadian premier, who both led his home province of PEI and served on its Supreme Court. And it continues today in vibrant communities throughout the Maritimes and across our common Canadian home.
“Conservatives will always stand with Acadians in defence of their history, language and culture. On behalf of all my colleagues, I want to wish all those celebrating a very happy National Acadian Day!”