Chargé Remarks from Mr. Jim Nickel, Chargé d’affaires, Canadian Embassy

Graduating students, members of faculty and staff, parents, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen:

Good afternoon!It is truly an honor to be here today.

On behalf of the Embassy of Canada, first of all, I would like to extend my sincere congratulations on the endeavours and achievements of the network of Concord colleges as a key part of our education community to showcase the study opportunities that Canada has to offer.

Both Canada and China believe that education is an important pillar of our bilateral relations and that education will continue to be a unique and important bridge between our cultures. All of you gathered here today will surely help deepen our relationship.

Secondly, congratulations to all the graduates of 2019 from BCCSC and the Concord family across China! You should all be incredibly proud of what you have accomplished and be excited about the future that you are now embarking on.

I encourage you to go out and discover the world and stick to your aspirations. Here is a quote I’d like to share with you: “nobody grows merely by the number of years; we grow old by deserting our ideas.” If you are passionate about something, pursue it, no matter what anyone else thinks. That's how dreams are achieved.

I’m also pleased to know that over 80% have been accepted by Canadian universities and colleges and many of you have chosen Canada among your study destinations for your postsecondary education.

Canada is a diverse, welcoming and vibrant society that offers a unique learning experience in a safe and beautiful environment. Canadian education offers academic qualifications that are respected all over the world with the most flexible policies to allow international students to work and stay in Canada during their studies and after graduation. A wonderful place for you to study!

I would like to mention that in 2020, we’ll be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Canada-China diplomatic relations. Many of you will go on to pursue post-secondary studies in Canada, and we have faith in your ability to become goodwill ambassadors between Canada and China.

We believe that our graduates here today really are our future. You have each been on a unique journey to be role models from all walks of life to make contributions to deepening this relationship. I’m confident that the education you just received has prepared you well.

Finally I would like to thank all the Chinese and Canadian partners for your continued support and contribution to the success of international education cooperation.

Once again, my sincere congratulations to BCCSC and the Concord family. My very best wishes to all the students and families!

zàicì duì suǒyǒu xuésheng zhìyǐ zuì chéngzhì de zhùyuàn

再次 对 所有 学生 致以 最 诚挚 的 祝愿 :

zhù nǐmen qiánchéng sìjǐn xuéyè yǒuchéng

祝 你们 前程 似锦 ， 学业 有成 ！

Thank you.

xièxie