Each year, Ontario welcomes more than half of all newcomers to Canada. Immigration is vital to Ontario’s growth and newcomers play a key role economically, socially and culturally in making Ontario strong and prosperous.

A newcomer champion is an individual who exemplifies excellence or achievement in establishing welcoming communities in Ontario for newcomers and/or fostering understanding and sharing of Ontario’s many cultures. The Newcomer Champion Award is a means to share and celebrate Ontario’s cultural diversity and growth.

Eligible activities may include, but are not limited to:

•   Programs implemented to help settle and connect newcomers in communities.
•   Outreach efforts to promote cross–cultural understanding.
•   Events celebrating cultural diversity in Ontario.

Nominees must be residents of Ontario.

Posthumous and self nominations are not accepted.

An independent selection committee reviews all nominations and selects the recipients

Completed nominations must be received no later than March 14.

Additional information and nomination forms may be obtained by contacting the Ontario Honours and Awards Secretariatat at 416 314-7526 or visiting http://www.citizenship.gov.on.ca.

The completed nomination form (including a 10 word summary).

A detained description of the achievement (250 – 500 words) describing:

•   the achievement in detail, including any background or related historical information,
•   what made this achievement outstanding,
• how the achievement has impacted others and/or the community,
• when the achievement was initiated and completed (if applicable),
• examples of ongoing leadership and commitment.

A minimum of two testimonial letters from individuals (other than the nominator), who have direct knowledge of the value and impact of the achievement and who support the nomination. Please ensure that the contact information (address, telephone number and e–mail) of the testimonial writer is included in the letter.

Optional: Additional material to support this nomination, such as additional testimonial letters, publications, and media stories. Please list and label all material enclosed.

PLEASE NOTE: All materials must be submitted unbound (no staples), black and white photocopies, single–sided and in 8 1/2” x 11” (letter size) format. Do not send orginals as they will not be returned. Fax copies will not be accepted.

Send the completed nomination forms and supporting materials to:

Ontario Honours and Awards Secretariat
Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration
400 University Avenue, 4th Floor
Toronto ON   M7A 2R9

Completed nominations must be received by March 14.

Mr.   Mrs.   Ms. Other Other
First Name   Last Name
Name of Organization
Position
Address   Business (9–5 pm) Home   Address
City/Town
Province   Postal Code
Telephone   Business (9–5 pm) Home   Telephone      Fax
E–mail 

Short description of achievement (maximum 10 words)

Mr. Mrs. Ms. Other Other
First Name   Last Name
Name of Organization
Position
Address   Business (9–5 pm) Home   Address
City
Province   Postal Code
Telephone   Business (9–5 pm) Home   Telephone      Fax No.
E–mail

Signature of Nominator
    Date