Toronto Celebrates a Decade of Welcoming Newcomers with Vibrant Newcomer Day
Toronto – In a jubilant celebration of diversity and inclusivity, the City of Toronto marked the milestone of the tenth annual Toronto Newcomer Day at Nathan Phillips Square today. This cherished event, which has become Toronto’s largest annual newcomer gathering, serves as a warm welcome to newcomers while recognizing their invaluable contributions to the city’s social, cultural, and economic landscape.
Mayor Olivia Chow, alongside Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik (Councillor, Spadina-Fort York), graced the event with their presence, reaffirming the city’s commitment to supporting and embracing newcomers at every step of their journey.
This year’s festivities dazzled attendees with a vibrant program featuring captivating performances by talented artists such as Rosary, Myranda Spence, The Ngoma Ensemble, and Nawa Choir. The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the emotional citizenship ceremony, where 50 new Canadians took their oath, symbolizing the beginning of their journey as proud citizens of Canada.
City of Toronto celebrates 10 years of Newcomer Day at Nathan Phillips Square
Read the full news release: https://t.co/uOqmqvKouw pic.twitter.com/7ANHnWG0jN
— City of Toronto (@cityoftoronto) May 23, 2024
Since its inception in 2015, Toronto Newcomer Day has grown exponentially, with attendance skyrocketing from 2,000 in its inaugural year to over 12,000 this year. This remarkable growth is a testament to the event’s significance and the city’s unwavering dedication to celebrating its diverse communities.
Under the theme of “Looking Back,” this year’s event not only celebrated the achievements of past participants but also highlighted the pivotal role Toronto Newcomer Day plays in their integration and success within the city.
Beyond the vibrant performances and emotional ceremonies, the event also provided newcomers with valuable resources and information about settlement services and community programs. Over 140 exhibitors were on hand to offer assistance and support, covering a wide range of services including accessibility support, employment counseling, and housing assistance.
Crucially, Toronto Newcomer Day would not have been possible without the generous support of sponsors such as Desjardins Financial Group, Metrolinx, New Canadians TV, Rogers Communications, Greater Toronto Airports Authority, and Tim Hortons, underscoring the importance of community partnerships in fostering a welcoming environment for newcomers.
For those eager to learn more about Toronto Newcomer Day and its initiatives, additional information is available on the official website at toronto.ca/community-people/moving-to-toronto/toronto-newcomer-day/.
As Toronto continues to embrace its rich tapestry of cultures and welcomes newcomers with open arms, events like Toronto Newcomer Day serve as a shining example of the city’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and community spirit.
