SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL CANADA DAY CELEBRATIONS.

The 17th annual celebrations were again held at the Estate Banquets & Event Centre, 430 Nugget Avenue, Scarborough.  Canada Day and the Independence Day of the United States of America were celebrated together for the sixth time.  

This year's celebration was again during Ramadan, the month of fasting for Muslims.  This combination of Iftar Dinner and Canada Day celebrations was a great opportunity for all to celebrate, participate and understand how great it is to be a Canadian regardless of one's faith or ethnic background.  All those who spoke expressed how great it is to feel part of this multi- cultural, multi-faith community and enjoy and celebrate the diverse cultures and customs as Canadians.

Dr. Helena Jaczekm, Minister of Community & Social Services was the Keynote Speaker,  Consul General of India,  Mr. Akhilesh Mishra and Consul General of Pakistan, Mr. Asghar Ali Golo, were the award recipients in recognition of their outreach work and their passion for promoting Friendship, Peace, Harmony and Better Understanding among South Asians in the Greater Toronto Area.

Miss Yumna Siddiqui and Retired Chief Armand La Barge were the Masters of Ceremonies. The National Anthems for Canada and for the US were sung by the Niam Vora both at the start of the event and at midnight before the cake cutting ceremony.  

Two cakes were cut at the end of the event, for Canada Day and the US Independence Day.  Young and old joined in to cut the cakes, mingle and take photos 

Thanks to Dr. Shan Chandrasekar and Mrs. Jaya Chandrasekar of Asian Television Network for Media sponsorship.

We are also grateful to all those who sponsored tables. 

Some photos from the event:

We are also grateful to all those who sponsored tables. 

Some photos from the event: