“ASometimes we are a little too discreet and sometimes in Canadian society in general we don’t realize the strength we have and the impact we have. I observed that we have prominent Portuguese in all types of professions, activities, politics, artists, culture, economy, jurists, judges, in two senior positions at the Bank of Canada,” said the diplomat.
The ambassador spoke this Thursday evening, at his official residence in Ottawa, during a ceremony to award the Commendation of the Order of Camões to Elder Marques, former chief advisor to the Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau , during which it was also highlighted. the fiftieth anniversary of April 25, 1974.
“Our community numbers nearly 500,000 people, it is an important community in the context of Canada. During the visit of the President of the Republic of Portugal to Canada in September 2023, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau repeatedly recognized the importance of the sense and integration of the Portuguese. community in Canada and the contribution it makes,” he said.
However, António Manuel Leão Rocha also recognized that sometimes “it is good for communities to be less discreet and more exuberant”, as are Canadians of Portuguese origin.
Lawyer Elder Marques, former chief advisor to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, has now received the Order of Camões Commendation.
“On a personal level, it is an honor and I am grateful, on the other hand, it makes me think of the Portuguese-Canadian community and the important role that this community plays in Canada, in the national life of Canada, in building the country, he doesn’t always get the recognition he deserves outside of Canada, which I think he deserves,” he told Lusa.
Although his parents arrived in Canada before April 25, 1974 to start a new life, “they raised their children to be proud of their culture and their ties to Portugal,” he said.
Between 2015 and 2020, Elder Marques held several important positions in the Canadian government, from the Prime Minister’s Office to the Ministries of Finance and Innovation.
“Politics is difficult, it’s a family sacrifice, these days it was a very complicated environment, with sometimes personal attacks, but the opportunity to participate in Canadian political life is unique and important, I very lucky to have this opportunity,” he said. recognized.
According to the 2021 census, approximately 450,000 people of Portuguese origin reside in Canada.
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