MULTICULTURALISM Minister Jason Kenney on Monday issued the following statement on the passing of Vasu Chanchlani:

“It was with great sadness that I learned of the passing of my friend Vasu Chanchlani, a distinguished philanthropist, a successful entrepreneur, and a great Canadian.

“Born in India, Vasu came to Canada in 1979. He started his first company in Canada, and enjoyed a lifetime of successful business endeavours here as the co-founder of the Sigma Group. However, it was his transition to large-scale philanthropy near the end of his career that made him truly remarkable.

“Vasu gave generously to many causes, providing crucial support to several university research programs and to young leaders in the Indo-Canadian community. As a founding member of the Canada India Foundation, he was a prominent advocate for promoting bilateral relations between Canada and India. Through his support of education and leadership in both Canada and India, he improved peoples’ lives across the world.

“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I would like to extend my sincere condolences to Vasu’s wife, Jaya, and his family in this time of loss. His great generosity and his contributions to strengthening the relationship between Canada and India will not be forgotten.”