“Today over 40,000 Buddhists in Alberta and hundreds of millions around the world are celebrating Vesak Day, marking the birth, enlightenment and death of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha.
“One of the world's great religions, founded two and a half millennia ago, Asian immigrants brought Buddhism to Alberta in the late 1800s. The community has prospered here, founding many temples, including the longest continually operating Buddhist temple in Canada.
“Buddhist spirituality, rooted in the profoundly kind, compassionate, and joyful teachings of the Buddha, has greatly enriched our province's pluralistic culture.
“As Premier of Alberta, I am pleased to offer all Albertans celebrating Vesak a Happy Buddha's Birthday.