THE RIGHT HONOURABLE JUSTIN TRUDEAU (Prime Minister of Canada): Bua tarde. Good afternoon everyone.

Thank you for being here.

I want to start by recognizing all the friends in the room tonight, this afternoon, so wonderful to see you all. Obviously Antonio, Prime Minister Costa, what a pleasure to have spent these past two days with you, and a pleasure to see you here today amongst all the politicians, there’s a few I do need to highlight. My dear friend, Premier Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario.

Another dear friend, Mayor John Tory, Mayor of Toronto.

He’s doing an extraordinary job. And I know we’re not supposed to have favourites, but one of my very favourites is in the room; Hazel, it’s so wonderful to see you. Hazel McCallion.

Now I won’t talk for long because I know everyone is hungry, but I’d like to propose a toast to Prime Minister Costa, and to the friendship between Canada and Portugal. On May 13, we will mark the 65th anniversary of the day a group of Portuguese immigrants landed at Pier 21 in Halifax. These immigrants helped build modern-day Canada and contributed to making it the country we know and love today.

Indeed, Portuguese culture shapes our towns and cities in so many ways. From your unshakable family values, to your incredible work ethic, to your passion and love for all things soccer, Portuguese-Canadians are a key part of what makes Canada, Canada.

For centuries, citizens from Portugal have chosen Canada as their home. For some, it was in search of a new world, for others, it was as refugees; and for more still, it was for the promise of a good life for their families, a new beginning in a friendly country. A vibrant language, a rich culture, exceptional food, terrific music and a proud identity, Portugal has given so much to Canada.

And on a personal note, as one of the many Canadians who has spent time in Portugal when I was a much younger man, about twenty years ago, I can attest to that. Now, all of you, particularly the Canadians in this room, know that I’m quite outdoorsy, and I’ve spent an awful lot of time camping, and travelling across this country; but I have to admit, you haven’t lived until you’ve gone camping in Portugal. I remember a night around a campfire almost twenty years ago, on the cliffs above Praia da Adraga. And forget the trail mix, and freeze-dried stroganoff, the meal we had that night on grilled chorizo and blackened peppers and some of the best red wine I’d had, let alone on camping trips but anywhere; really, really emphasized for me the quality of life and the good friendships that have been built between Portugal and Canada, and I’ve crossed my fingers that CETA makes Mountain Equipment Coop take notice of Portugal in terms of its camping supplies.

But as we look to the future, and we know that the influence, charity, and accomplishments of Luso-Canadians will shine brightly for the whole world to see. Prime Minister Costa, António, thank you for honouring us with your presence here in Canada. I’d like to propose a toast to Canada, to Portugal and to strong and enduring friendships. Please charge your glasses. Cheers! Saúde. 

ALL: Saúde.