Toronto, August 20, 2012 — India’s Flag Hoisting and 66th Independence Day celebration hosted by the Markham Civic Center was the setting for a strong showing of Conservative government support for Toronto’s Indo-Canadian community.

“Now more than ever we must stay strong and united in the face of violence. Just a few weeks ago, on August 5th, seven people died in a horrific shooting in a Wisconsin Sikh temple, they were the victims of hate. Atrocities like that one remind us that hate and force cannot be in just one part of the world without having an effect on the rest of it. My heart goes out to those families, may they find peace and consolation in their love for each other” said Senator Seth as she opened the celebrations.

The event was attended by federal and provincial officials including Senator Dr. Asha Seth, Minister Michael Chan, Ontario Minister of Tourism and Culture and Mr. Costas Menegakis, Conservative M.P for Richmond Hill, who delivered a message from Minister Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism.

Conservatives are showing unity as they work towards strengthening long lasting economic and cultural relations with India and the Indo-Canadian community.