661. Toronto Newcomer Day – Tuesday, May 24, 2016

For newcomers to Toronto and their sponsors:

“The City of Toronto Newcomer’s Office would like to invite you to this year’s annual Toronto Newcomer Day celebrations taking place on Tuesday, May 24^th from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at City Hall. During our annual celebrations Nathan Phillips Square will be alive with free, family-friendly activities and entertainment to officially welcome newcomers to Toronto and celebrate their contributions.

“Given the overwhelming response from Toronto communities in support of the recent Syrian refugee resettlement, it would be especially meaningful to have you attend, along with your sponsored families if they have arrived. If you would like to bring a large group to Toronto Newcomer Day, please let us know and we can help you make arrangements.

“Please see an outline of the day’s activities below. A formal flyer will be circulated next week. This information is also available at toronto.ca/newcomerday. Please feel free to circulate.

“For more information please contact: Nicole Watson 416-392-5187 or nwatson4@toronto.ca.”

Schedule for the Day:

FUN & ENTERTAINMENT

11:30-3:30pm | City Hall & Nathan Phillips Square

Food Trucks, Art Exhibit, Immigrant Marketplace, Gardening,

Tours of City Hall, Speakers Corner Filming and Group Activities.

INFORMATION FAIR

11:30-2:30pm | Nathan Phillips Square. Information on City and community services, resources and programs available to newcomers.

FORMAL PROGRAM

12:30-1:30pm | Nathan Phillips Square Stage. Remarks by Mayor John Tory and Special guest Senator, Ratna Omidvar.

Plus cultural performances by local artists, including award winning artist Bruno Capinan

Twitter: @Bruno_Capinan.http://www.brunocapinan.com.br/​

CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY

2:30-3:30pm | City Hall, Council Chamber

National Anthem to be sung by Maryem Toller, Acclaimed Toronto-based Arabic jazz vocalist

ART EXHIBIT by Ghazal Partou, 11:30 to 2:30pm | City Hall, Members Lounge. Twitter @GhazalPartou.

http://www.ghazalpartou.com/. @TONewcomer |  #TONewcomerDay

Cover image: courtesy City of Toronto.