The City of Toronto’s eighth annual Toronto Newcomer Day, held today at Nathan Phillips Square, 311 the City’s tradition of welcoming newcomers to Toronto, celebrating their contributions to the city, and providing information about City and community services. At the event, Deputy Mayor Ana Bailão (Davenport) brought greetings on behalf of City Council while also proclaiming Newcomer Day in Toronto.
The event kicked off with the Welcome Gesture, led by Dreamwalker Dance Company, which brings together people of diverse languages and cultures to exchange gestures of warm welcome. The program included performances from All Nations Jr. Drum Team, Borelson and the Little Pear Garden Dance Company. The Newcomer Arts Awards were presented by community and City representatives.
Attendees found a range of the exhibitors offering information about the programs and services they provide (i.e. accessibility supports, arts and culture, children and youth, employment support, and shelter and housing).
Toronto Public Health held a COVID-19 vaccination clinic offering first, second, third, fourth and paediatric doses of COVID-19 vaccine. Today’s clinic is part of Team Toronto’s continuing efforts to bring COVID-19 vaccination opportunities to places residents live, work and play – including Toronto Newcomer Day and other major events in the city.
Toronto Newcomer Day was sponsored by Desjardins Financial Group, chatr (Rogers Communication), Tim Hortons, Metrolinx, Star Metroland Media, New Canadians TV and Paragon Testing Enterprises.
More information is available on the Toronto Newcomer Day webpage.
Quotes:
“Every day we welcome new Torontonians from all over the world and today we celebrate the amazing contributions newcomers make to this city and embrace many cultures and languages. Toronto is proof that people from different backgrounds can come together to create vibrant communities.”
– Mayor John Tory
“It is important that newcomers know how to access City and community services to settle and thrive in Toronto. Diversity not only enriches the community, it brings to light new perspectives on the world. It is what defines Toronto’s identity as a multicultural and lively city.”
– Deputy Mayor Ana Bailão (Davenport)
Toronto is home to more than 2.9 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 the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation, 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 Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.