Today, the City of Toronto hosted its 12th annual Toronto Newcomer Day with celebrations and live performances at Nathan Phillips Square and Toronto City Hall. Toronto’s largest annual newcomer event welcomes newcomers and celebrates their contributions to the city.
Mayor Olivia Chow proclaimed May 29 as Newcomer Day and attended the event alongside Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik (Spadina-Fort York).
Toronto Newcomer Day brought together more than 125 exhibitors offering support and services for newcomers to Canada and Toronto, including accessibility supports, arts and education programs, children and youth services, employment counselling, health and mental health programs, legal supports, settlement services, and shelter and housing supports, alongside free activities including a food fair, marketplace and cultural performances showcasing Toronto’s diverse communities.
This year’s program included performances by JUNO Award-winning artist Tom Wilson; Indigenous youth drumming group Buffalo Charging Drummers; Iranian contemporary music by Bahar Atish; and Massyr Ensemble, featuring music from across the Arab world.
The Government of Canada also welcomed 50 people who took their oath of citizenship as part of a citizenship ceremony in the Toronto Council Chambers. Councillor Neethan Shan (Scarborough-Rouge Park) presented remarks at the ceremony on behalf of Toronto City Council.
Toronto was one of the first municipalities in Canada to create a newcomer day in 2015 and has since welcomed more than 75,000 people to the annual event. More than 2,000 participated in the first celebration in 2015, growing to more than 10,000 people attending annually since 2022.
Each year, tens of thousands of people from around the world choose Toronto as their new home. Toronto is one of the most diverse cities in the world, with approximately 52 per cent of residents born outside of Canada.
The City is proud to deliver Toronto Newcomer Day with presenting partner President’s Choice, and sponsors Rogers Communications, Metrolinx, Tim Hortons, IKEA Canada and New Canadians TV. This event was made possible with support from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
More information about Newcomer Day is available on the City’s website.
Quotes:
“The City of Toronto welcomes people from all over the world and Toronto Newcomer Day is an opportunity for us to celebrate the contributions of newcomers to a stronger, safer, more beautiful city and share information about services, programs and community partners that will help newcomers build new lives here.”
– Mayor Olivia Chow
“Toronto’s diversity is one of our greatest strengths and new neighbours play an important role in shaping the city’s vibrant communities, economy and culture. Toronto Newcomer Day is an opportunity to celebrate the people who choose to call Toronto home and connect them with services, programs and supports that can help them thrive.”
– Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik (Spadina-Fort York)
Toronto is home to more than three million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As an Official Host City for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ and the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation and climate action, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City's website or follow us on X, Instagram or Facebook.