President of Malta Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca began her working visit to Ontario, Canada, by meeting with young Maltese-Canadian descendants in the Toronto suburb of Mississauga.

The President emphasised the importance of making young people feel connected to the Maltese islands by praising the many contributions made by the Maltese diaspora, which had helped Canada to prosper and flourish.

She stressed the need to harness and encourage the energy and enthusiasm of young people in the Maltese diaspora.

Coming to live and work in Malta will be like coming back home

In this context, she encouraged them to explore dual citizenship and the opportunities it provides within Europe.

The President mentioned Malta’s economic growth, low unemployment rate and need for more workers from overseas. She said these were examples of how they could reconnect with the Maltese islands.

“Coming to live and work in Malta will be like coming back home,” she said.

Ms Coleiro Preca also praised Canada for having one of the first policies embracing diversity and multiculturalism. Such policies, she said, reduced social tensions and fostered a strong sense of solidarity in society.

The President, who is accompanied by the Foreign Affairs Minister, Carmelo Abela, later visited the yearly San Ġorġ feast in Mississauga, where she met more than 500 Maltese-Canadians and Maltese-Americans.