Amid members of the local party section, militants, and family members, the leader emphasized that the Portuguese diaspora is among his “top political priorities,” highlighting the communities’ contribution to national cohesion and Portugal’s economic and cultural presence worldwide.
“Portuguese people living in Canada know that Portuguese communities are a strategic factor in asserting Portugal globally and an essential factor in our country’s cohesion and development,” he stated to journalists.
Carneiro stressed that the core message of his visit to Canada is “confidence,” noting that throughout his political career, he has always sought to fulfill his promises.
“I have always practiced evaluating and accounting for what I promised and what I achieved at the end of my tenure,” he said, assuring the communities that the enhancement of the Portuguese language and culture, support for the diaspora’s economic and institutional networks, and the improvement of public services for those visiting Portugal “will remain permanent priorities.”
The PS secretary-general also mentioned that the diaspora is “an essential foundation for the internationalization of the Portuguese economy,” recalling that “major Portuguese companies have always relied on the strength and integration of the diaspora in global value networks.”
The dinner was marked by a tribute to Joel Filipe, founder of the PS section in Toronto, considered by Carneiro as one of the leading promoters of political citizenship within the Portuguese community in Canada.
“Joel Filipe was the driving force behind membership and the promotion of political citizenship committed to the values of freedom, equality, and fraternity. In him, we wanted to honor many anonymous citizens who have been defenders of democracy and who see the Socialist Party as a great common home,” he said.
The event also served to launch new party branches in the Toronto region and to meet newly affiliated university students, in an effort to renew and strengthen the PS’s political presence among the Portuguese-Canadian community.
The socialist leader spoke on the first day of a three-day visit to Canada, accompanied by Paulo Pisco, assistant secretary-general for Portuguese Communities, including meetings with the Portuguese community, visits to Portuguese-Canadian institutions, and political contacts in Toronto and Montreal.
The program includes meetings with association leaders, federal councilors of Portuguese origin, union leaders, and heads of social institutions.
In Toronto, José Luís Carneiro will also participate today in the gala of the Magellan Community Centre, expected to gather over two thousand people.
The delegation will proceed to Montreal on Sunday, concluding the visit with a press conference at the local Casa dos Açores.
