Dr. Greg Finn

Councilor Mike Britton

Director Jennifer Li

Associate Director Hongfu Chen

Dear Teacher and Students

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good Morning !

I feel so pleased and greatly honored to be here this morning at this prestigious Brock University, together with my colleagues, Counselor Xu and Consul Wang Hui, to attend the 15th "Chinese Bridge" Chinese Proficiency Competition for College Students at Ontario and Manitoba.

First of all, on behalf of the Chinese Consulate General in Toronto, I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to all the students who have come for this important contest.

Currently, the bilateral relations between China and Canada are in the very good shape. Leaders of both countries have maintained frequent contact with each other through meetings and telephone conversations. Economic and trade cooperation has achieved positive results and brought tangible benefits to both sides and China has become the second largest trading partner of Canada. People to people exchanges have kept a good momentum of development. And now, there are 150 flights flying between China and Canada in a week, that means 3000 people are traveling between our two countries in a single day. And all these have greatly deepened the mutual understanding and friendship between our two peoples.

Confucius once said, in teaching there should be no distinction of classes. Over the years, the Brock University has devoted a lot of efforts to the Chinese language teaching and studying, which has positively promoted the friendly interactions between the Chinese people and the Canadian people. And I want to express my deep appreciation for what you have done.

Language is a bridge connecting different people and different cultures. And it perfectly conforms to the theme of this year's competition, "Dreams Enlighten Future". I hope this kind of contest will encourage more students to come to learn the Chinese language and Chinese cultures.

Confucius also said, when I am walking in the company of three people, there must be one who can be my teacher. So I believe the participants of the competition of today will surely become the friendship ambassadors of tomorrow and make personal contributions for the constant strengthening of the friendly relationship between the two great countries of China and Canada. And the Chinese language can certainly help you to fulfill your dreams.

Once again, my congratulations, and I wish today's competition a great success and all the participants attaining a good mark.

Thank you !