Canada opens biggest Chinese cultural festival

Canada's Federal Finance Minister Joe Oliver believed that the event, which highlights China's 5,000 years of history right up to modernity, will give Canadians an insight into its culture and help bring the two countries closer together than ever.

"(It) really brings home the contribution that a million and a half Canadians of Chinese origin are bringing to Canada. To every form of Canadian life, from culture, arts, entertainment, science, technology to economy," he said. "So it's a wonderful celebration of the growing relationship between our two countries and an insight for Canadians who may not have that knowledge of China to find out more about Chinese culture."

The event was also held at the 48th Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington D.C. before heading to Toronto.