TORONTO CELEBRATES NEWCOMERS

The City of Toronto’s eighth annual Toronto Newcomer Day was held recently at Nathan Phillips Square to welcome newcomers to Toronto, celebrate their contributions to the city, and provide information about City and community services. 

The event kicked off with the Welcome Gesture, led by Dream-walker 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 exhibitors offering information about the programs and services they provide (on 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.

“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,” said Toronto mayor John Tory. “Toronto is proof that people from different backgrounds can come together to create vibrant communities.”

“It is important that newcomers know how to access City and community services to settle and thrive in Toronto,” said deputy mayor Ana Bailão. “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.”

More info at www.toronto.ca/newcomerday.