The Regional Assistant Secretary of the Presidency for External Relations considered that it is essential to not only preserve our tradition and customs, but also to have the "ability to innovate and demonstrate our cultural reality."
 
"It is meritorious and we appreciate all the work they have developed. However, if we want our youth to commit to the mission that has guided your action, we should be able to meet the expectations of young people through what we currently have," said Rui Bettencourt, who spoke last night at the House of the Azores of Winnipeg.
 
For the Regional Secretary, "the Azorean identity is not static, but a process that evolves through time, the diversity of players, the experiences of cultural convergence, or even the permanent contact between the Azoreans living in the archipelago and all those scattered throughout the world." In this regard, he highlighted that our challenge is to follow the new dynamics, both here and in the archipelago."
 
During the meeting, the Regional Secretary also had the opportunity to become acquainted with the dynamics of the Azorean community in that Canadian province, from philharmonic bands to folk dance groups, cultural and social associations, and local leaders. The event was organised by the House of the Azores and brought together about 20 Portuguese organisations in the province of Manitoba.
 
Founded on September 13, 1992, the House of the Azores of Winnipeg, aims to promote, preserve and locally disseminate Azorean culture and build bridges that will bring the Azoreans living in that area of Canada to the Azores, through various activities. The importance of the Azorean community in that city was acknowledged by the City of Winnipeg by including the Azores Street in local place names.
 
Yesterday, Rui Bettencourt met with the Minister for Immigration, Diversity and Inclusion, Kathleen Weil in Montreal, where he stressed the good relations between the Government of Quebec and the Azorean community residing in that province."We are pleased to note the recognition of the Government of this province towards our community, stressing its full integration and contribution to socio-economic development and cultural progress," said the government official.
 
In the province of Ontario, he will also visit the Portuguese Support Service for Quality Living in the city of Hamilton, an institution that supports families and adults with physical and cognitive disabilities.