NEWS

Ontarians who have gone the extra mile to help newcomers integrate and share our diverse culture are being honoured by the province.  Newcomer champion awards will be awarded to:

• Liban A. Abdi of Hamilton
• Dr. Paul Caulford of Toronto
• Maureen Geddes of Chatham-Kent
• Adit Kumar of Scarborough
• Jeffrey Byunghun Min of North York
• New Pioneers Awards Team of Toronto (Group award)
• Carmela Nini of Guelph
• Dr. Peter Ashward Sealy of Toronto
• Frances Martino-Soulliere of Amherstburg
• Yasmin Vali of Scarborough

Created in 2007, the Newcomer Champion Awards recognize Ontarians who have facilitated cultural understanding and diversity and/or helped newcomers to successfully settle and integrate.

The ceremony will take place on National Multiculturalism Day, Friday June 27, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Lawrence Hall in Toronto.

QUOTES

“It is especially fitting that we are honouring these champions on National Multiculturalism Day when we celebrate the economic, social and cultural benefits of diversity,” said Michael Chan, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration. “Ontario is a more welcoming place because of them.”

QUICK FACTS

• The Newcomer Champion Awards were inspired by the contributions of three Ontario visionaries, who epitomize the spirit of the awards: Daniel Iannuzzi, Jean Lumb and Mary Ann Shadd.
• Recipients are selected by an independent committee made up of five community members involved in helping newcomers and promoting cultural diversity.

LEARN MORE

• Background information on the awards and how to nominate. www.citizenship.gov.on.ca/english/honours/nca

- 30 -

Contacts:
Coralie D'Souza,  Minister’s Office, (416) 325-6204
Christopher Carbone, Communications Branch, (416) 314-7379

• Backgrounder - Newcomer Champion Awards Recipients 2008