On May 30, 2009 the representatives of the Croatian Community in Montreal met with Mr. Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Canada at the Croatian Community Center. Fifteen representatives of eleven Croatian associations, all members of the Canadian-Croatian Congress of Quebec, were present to greet Mr. Kenney and his advisors and talk about the Croatian Community in Montreal. The speakers were fra Jozo Grubišić, as host and representative of the Croat Catholic Association „St. Nikola Tavelić“, of the Croatian School „Queen of Peace“ and of the Croatian Folklore Ensemble „Cardinal Alojzije Stepinac“; Vesna Blažina, representing AMCA Quebec; Vlatka Kljajo representing the Canadian-Croatian Congress of Quebec and Dr. Djuro Palaić, president of the Croatian Peasant Party of Canada. The Croats presented Mr. Kenney with a certificate making him an honorary member of the Croatian Community of Montreal. Mr. Kenney, who has visited Croatia, showed an enviable knowledge and understanding of the Croatian history, culture and even language. Mr. Kenney came to Montreal to advise the Croatian Community that visitors' visas for Croatian citizens coming to Canada have been abolished. That announcement brought a lot of joy to all the members of the Croatian Community who wish Canada and Croatia to have close relations. Minister Kenney emphasized that the Croats represent a model of integration into the Canadian society and he thanked them for all their contributions to Canada's development and prosperity. He also mentioned that Ms. Vesela Mrđen-Korać, the ambassador of the Republic of Croatia in Ottawa, who was also invited to the meeting, is one of the most respected diplomats in Ottawa. Mr. Jason Kenney described her as “charming, gracious but tenacious“ when Croatian interests are concerned.

After the official speeches, there was a wine and cheese party for the guests. As it turned out that it was Mr. Kenney's birthday, the Croats presented him with a birthday cake and champagne. They also sang a Croatian birthday song „Lijepo ime Jason“.

After this short interlude, the Minister met with the representatives of about thirty ethnic journalists writing in as many languages in Montreal. 

Vesna Blažina