Eid al-Fitr  Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada, the Right Honourable Mark Carney

March 19, 2026
Ottawa, Ontario

“Tonight, Muslims in Canada and around the world will celebrate Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

Over the coming days, Muslims will gather with family and friends to enjoy feasts, exchange gifts, recite prayers, and reflect on the spiritual lessons of Ramadan. Before this sacred celebration starts, Muslims will give Zakat al-Fitr. This is an act of charity that reflects the spirit of generosity at the heart of Islam.

As Eid sheds light on the importance of community, unity, and faith, we are reminded that these values are embedded in the many contributions Canadian Muslims make to building a stronger, more resilient country.

I wish a blessed and happy Eid al-Fitr to all those celebrating. Eid Mubarak.”

Read the Prime Minister’s Eid al-Fitr statement at source in English HERE and in French HERE.

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Nowruz Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada, the Right Honourable Mark Carney

NOTE: The image of the haft-sin table is not part of the Prime Minister’s statement.

March 20, 2026
Ottawa, Ontario

“Nowruz – also known as the Persian New Year – marks the arrival of spring and the promise of renewal for millions of people in Canada and around the world, including Iranian, Kurdish, Afghan, and Central Asian communities.

Today, families and friends gather around the haft-sin table to share meals, read poetry, and welcome the year ahead with optimism. This is also a time when loved ones will pause to reflect on the moments over the year that brought them joy, and the people in their lives who made them special.

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During this time of profound uncertainty for Canadians with ties to people and communities throughout the Middle East, this spirit of renewal and optimism is especially important. The moments that bring people together and deepen our sense of belonging can be a source of peace and stability.

Nowruz underscores the strength that comes from Canada’s diversity. The communities who celebrate Nowruz have helped build a more prosperous and resilient country.

I wish all those celebrating a happy Nowruz.

Har Ruz etan Nowruz, Nowruz etan Pyrouz.”

Read the Prime Minister’s Nowruz statement at source in English HERE. and in French HERE.

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Nowruz Message by the United Nations Secretary General, António Guterres

Click HERE for a video message by António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, on the International Day of Nowruz 2026. The text follows:

“Dear friends,

For more than 300 million people around the world, Nowruz represents renewal.

A new year.

A new spring.

A new chance to build bridges of understanding and mutual respect among all cultures and peoples.

In these difficult and divided times, the message of Nowruz is vital.

Its timeless values of diversity, dialogue, understanding and reconciliation represent a powerful path to achieving the peace, human rights and dignity that the United Nations works for each and every day.

The challenges faced by the human family are immense.

But Nowruz can be our guide.

Across all nations and cultures, let’s walk together as we build a more peaceful, sustainable and inclusive world for all people.

May this Nowruz bring joy, health, prosperity and peace”.

Read the Secretary General’s message at source HERE. Also, read a post on the history and significance of Nowruz on the UN website HERE.

Featured image: Conceived and created by Nurin Merchant, the Navroz greeting at the top of the page incorporates roses and jasmine, which are extremely popular in Iran during the celebration of Navroz. The base of the picture shows shoots of wheat grass, signifying robust evergreen health throughout the year.

Date posted: March 20, 2026.

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