On Thursday, the City of Toronto hosted its ninth annual Toronto Newcomer Day on Nathan Phillips Square. The event welcomed newcomers to Toronto and celebrated their important contributions to the city.
Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie (Scarborough-Rouge Park) proclaimed May 25 Newcomer Day and Councillor Shelley Carroll (Don Valley North), Chair of the Economic and Community Development Committee addressed attendees on behalf of Toronto City Council.
The program included performances by Indigenous artist Aqua Nibii Waawaaskone, with shawl dancer Nichole, the Raging Asian Womxn (RAW) drumming group and Brazilian-Canadian singer-songwriter JER.
A range of more than 80 exhibitors that offer aid and assistance to newcomers to Canada and Toronto were present, including those that specialize in accessibility supports, arts and cultural awareness and education, children and youth services, employment counselling and training and support services for shelter and housing. A citizenship ceremony for 40 new Canadians also took place.
The City is proud to deliver Toronto Newcomer Day with partners Desjardins Financial Group, Metrolinx, New Canadians TV, Rogers Communications, Star Metroland Media and Tim Hortons.
More information about Newcomer Day is available on the City’s website at www.toronto.ca/newcomerday.
Quotes:
“Each year, many people from around the world choose Toronto as their new home. Their diverse cultures and communities have helped create Toronto’s identity as a vibrant global city. We live in a city of acceptance and inclusion and we recognize the contributions that newcomers have always made here and will continue to make. Our diverse cultures and communities have helped and continue to create Toronto’s identity as a vibrant and global city.”
– Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie (Scarborough-Rouge Park)
“Every year, we welcome thousands of new Torontonians from all over the world. Today, we celebrate the amazing contributions that newcomers make to this city and acknowledge the many hurdles they overcome. Toronto is proof that communities are made all the more vibrant when individuals from different backgrounds come together. ‘Diversity Our Strength’ is more than just a motto—it is a commitment we make as a city to support newcomers in every way we can.”
– Councillor Shelley Carroll (Don Valley North), Chair of the Economic and Community Development Committee
SOURCE City of Toronto
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