The Regional Director for Communities challenged Azorean emigrants and Azorean descendants to "take up the role of representatives of the Azores in the societies where they live," thus contributing to the "assertion of the Region in their host countries."

Speaking at a meeting with a group of Azorean emigrants residing in Edmonton, a city located in the Canadian province of Alberta, Paulo Teves noted that "time and geographic distance has not hindered the maintenance and strengthening of emotional ties those who left and those who stayed."

The Regional Director for Communities also stressed the importance of new technologies, defending that they are "fundamental tools to bring these relations to other areas and widen their scope."

"The diaspora communities have promoted our islands not only through several cultural manifestations, but also through the continuous and steady return to their land of origin. In this context, the Government of the Azores will always remain committed to cooperate with all those share our challenges and aspirations," said the Regional Director.

This meeting with the Azorean community was held on the day that marks the 61 years of the official arrival of the first emigrants to Canada.

Paulo Teves emphasised that the emigrant communities in Alberta have provided a "relevant contribution to the prestige of Azorean emigrants residing" in that province as well as to the promotion of the Azores' image in Canada.

Before the meeting, the Regional Director for Communities met with a group of teachers from Gil Vicente Portuguese School in Edmonton. On the occasion, the government official restates the Regional Government's availability to promote the knowledge on the reality of Azorean islands within Portuguese classes.

Paulo Teves met with other institutions and bodies representing the Portuguese community in Edmonton, including Aguarela Portuguesa Radio Station, the Portuguese Seniors & Pioneers Society and the São Pedro Holy Spirit Association.

The night before, the Regional Director met with the Azorean community residing in Calgary, where he defended the importance of fostering relations with the Azores.

In his speech, the Regional Director urged youngsters of Azorean descent to be "proud of their Atlantic origins and to become actively involved in projects that promote 'Azoreanity.'"