Earlier this week, York-Simcoe MP Scot Davidson met with Augusto Santos Silva, President of the Assembly of the Republic of Portugal alongside his parliamentary colleagues and the Speaker of the House of Commons, Anthony Rota.
"We discussed the considerable contributions of the Portuguese-Canadian community in the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury, and their efforts to honour and promote their Portuguese culture and heritage through religious commemorations, educational seminars, and festivals," Davidson wrote in a social media post.
Silva chose Canada to celebrate Portugal Day, his first official visit to the country, which began on June 11.
Last weekend, Davidson attended the Portugal Day flag-raising event in downtown Bradford. This event takes place every year on or around June 10, Portgal Day, which honours the death of Portuguese poet Luís de Camões in 1850, who wrote The Lusiads, describing the nation's culture and history. It is a symbolic piece of literature that brings a sense of pride to the Portuguese community.
Davidson spoke at the flag-raising, commending the hard work and efforts of the Bradford-Portuguese community.
"Saturday the turnout at the Portuguese flag raising to commemorate this national holiday, speaks to the deep history of these passionate people in Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury. When they settled in BWG they came as colourful explorers, proud of their heritage and freedom, tough and hard-working!" said Davidson in a social media post.
Davidson presented Silva with the signed pennant from the Portuguese Cultural Centre of Bradford, conveying the community's best wishes for his visit to Canada.
