February 20, 2012

VAUGHAN, ONTARIO - The Honourable Julian Fantino, Associate Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament for Vaughan, today congratulated Cardinal Thomas Collins, Archbishop of Toronto, on his appointment to the College of Cardinals in Rome by His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI. Minister Fantino, who travelled to Rome with the official Government of Canada delegation for the installation ceremonies this weekend, is proud to represent his/her constituents and all Canadians of the Roman Catholic faith at this historic celebration.

"It is an exceptional honour for Canada, with its strong Catholic tradition, to have a third Archbishop to be named to the College of Cardinals," said Minister Fantino from Rome. "Cardinal Collins' deep commitment to human rights, religious freedom and family are values that all Canadians can be proud of. On behalf of the constituents of Vaughan, I join all Canadians as we celebrate the elevation of Cardinal Collins."

With this appointment, Cardinal Collins becomes the fourth cardinal in the 110-year history of the Church in Toronto and the 16th cardinal in the history of the Roman Catholic Church in Canada

The Government of Canada delegation, led by Minister Flaherty and joined by Ministers Kenney and Fantino, is deeply honoured by the appointment and joins all Canadians of Roman Catholic faith in celebrating a man of humility, commitment to faith and family and a devout servant of our community