Eid Celebrations at Parliament Hill and Queen's Park

The Association holds Eid dinners at Parliament Hill, Ottawa, as well as at Queen’s Park, Toronto .  The idea for holding these dinners in the Federal and Provincial legislatures was conceived by Mobeen Khaja, who was motivated to celebrate Eid in these legislatures after reading an article in the February 26, 2006 issue of Buffalo News by the First Lady, Mrs. Hillary Clinton who started the tradition of inviting Muslims to the White House for Iftar

In 2006 and 2007, Eid dinners were also held at the Toronto City Hall.

The 1st Eid celebration was held at Parliament Hill in May 1996 and the 1st Eid celebrations at Queen's Park  was organized in 1999.

Events organized by the Association are non-partisan and are well attended by elected representatives from the Federal, Provincial and Municipal governments.  Representatives from the Diplomatic Corps, Government and Non-Government organizations, Regional Police Services, CEOs of Corporations, businesses, and Community organizations attend.  There is a feeling of friendship and camaraderie and everyone has a good time.

The Association gives awards at the  Eid celebrations to individuals and organizations for their outstanding contributions to Canada especially in the areas of justice, peace, equality, and fairness.

Some of the notable guests that have attended these celebrations are as follows:

• Prime Ministers Jean Chretien and Paul Martin

• Ontario's Premiers Mike Harris, Ernie Ewes, and Dalton McGuinty, 

• Leaders of the Official Opposition and other political parties.

• Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament (Federal & Provincial)

•  Mayors and other Municipal representatives.

• Ambassadors and High Commissioners and other diplomats. 

• Chiefs of various  Regional Police Services and RCMP officers.

• Heads of various government and non-government organizations such as the  Human Rights Commission 

The 4th annual event is the Taste of Asia Festival in partnership with the Federation of Chinese Canadians of Markham.  It is a street festival held on the last weekend before Canada Day.  A section of Kennedy Road between Steeles and Dennison is the location for this event.  There are cultural songs and dance performances by many ethnic groups on an outdoor stage and another indoor stage in Market Village close to the Pacific Mall.  Please click here for more information.

The 5th annual event is the celebration of Eid at the Toronto City Hall since 2006.  Mayor David Miller was the Chief Guest and Councillor Susan Hall was the Emcee each time.  Dr. Dilkhush Panjwani provided specially prepared cakes on each occasion.  Click here for details.