Category: Nation

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Inaugural Global T20 Canada Shows Potential  of Twenty20 Cricket in North America

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Strong performances by Canadian cricketers achieved key mandate of developing Canadian talent

Vancouver Knights’s victory Sunday in the Global T20 Canada (www.gt20.ca) championship match capped off a successful inaugural edition of the six-team league and provided glimpses of the potential of the first Twenty20 league to be fully staged in North America.

Played before a sellout festive crowd at Maple Leaf Cricket Club, the final, between Vancouver and Cricket West Indies B team, showcased the exciting Twenty20 form of cricket. On this stage, fittingly, a Canadian, Saad Bin Zafar made Canadian sporting history producing the performance of his career knocking in 79 runs to lead the Knights to the title, and the champion’s prize of C$500,000.

“Global T20 Canada brought the excitement of pro T20 cricket to Canada, along with many of the world’s top stars,” said Gurmeet Singh, Chairman, Global T20 Canada. “The final in front of a packed stadium and millions of fans watching via TV and streaming shows the sport’s potential not only in Canada, but also in North America, and we plan to achieve many more great milestones in future editions.”

Bin Zafar’s man of the match performance highlighted a strong showing by Canadians in the tournament, achieving one of the league’s key mandates of developing Canadian talent. Continue reading “Inaugural Global T20 Canada Shows Potential  of Twenty20 Cricket in North America”

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CARABRAM 2018: Cultures, costumes, cuisines!

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Carabram, Brampton’s Multicultural Festival has expanded. This year they included a central site at South Fletcher’s Sportsplex, to showcase additional cultures, music and food as well as an International Bazaar. In addition, The World of Food Pavilion was part of the central site as well an International Market Bazaar with artisans and commercial vendors from Arabia, Latin America, Pakistan, Hawaii, Ukraine and Nepal.

A small stage was set up to present music, dance and songs, as well as demonstrations including Ted Talk style presentation. The Main stage, beside World of Food, continued to showcase top entertainment from around the world.

Carabram, Canada’s oldest cultural festival was on July 13, 14, and 15 at eight venues across the city. In addition to the new South Fletcher’s site, there were pavilions located throughout the city. Canada returned to the UNIFOR Local 1285 Hall,

Caribbean and China were at Chris Gibson Recreation Centre. The rhythm of the islands, the pulsating beats of the drums and the steel band made the audiences sway to the reggae music and whine to the calypso singers. At the China Pavilion, entertainment   included Lion Dance , Kung Fu (Wushu), Qipao fashion show, GuZheng (Chinese Zither), Tai Chi and Taekwondo. Continue reading “CARABRAM 2018: Cultures, costumes, cuisines!”

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Canada India Foundation’s Higher Education Forum

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Canada India Foundation (CIF) will be organizing a Higher Education Forum on July 5 and 6 at the Pearson Convention Centre, Brampton ON

Announcing this at a media conference held in Toronto Wednesday June 27, Mr. Ajit Someshwar, Chair, CIF, said, “The CIF is organizing a forum on Higher Education because the education sector has emerged as priority sector for both Canada and India.”

Mr. Someshwar said the sector is worth $20 billion annually in Canada. Pertinently, in 2018, more than 120,000 international students from India will choose Canada for their higher education needs, making Canada the fourth most popular destination for Indian students seeking higher education.

Delineating the objectives of the Forum, Mr. Someshwar observed that the Forum’s vision is to reshape higher education with emphasis on innovation and to create opportunities for development and growth between Canada and India.

Mr. Anil Shah, National Convener, CIF, informed media representatives about the CIF’s upcoming Annual Global Indian Award Gala that is also being held on July 6 evening at the Pearson Convention Centre.

He said, annually, the CIF recognises and honours a prominent achiever who has championed the transformation of developing economies, Continue reading “Canada India Foundation’s Higher Education Forum”

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The City of Markham launches Indigenous History Month celebrations

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Today, the City of Markham launched celebrations for Indigenous History Month with a special ceremony that featured a friendship dance and ceremony of laying down the sacred medicine of tobacco. Indigenous Art Educator, J’net Ayayqwayaksheelth, was joined by Sue Croweagle to lead the celebration at the Markham Civic Centre.

“Celebrating the achievements of Canada’s Indigenous Peoples is an opportunity to listen to their stories, learn from their experiences and recognize the outstanding contributions of Indigenous communities,” says Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “At the City of Markham, we believe in building and nurturing strong bonds with our Indigenous communities, and I am proud that together, we have been able to create those connections through mutual respect, trust and cooperation.”

National Indigenous History Month is recognized during the month of June, providing the unique opportunity for municipalities across Canada to join together and take action towards reconciliation. Markham supports Indigenous History Month through the City’s award-winning  Diversity Action Plan – Everyone Welcome.

“In recognizing the history of Indigenous Peoples, Markham is demonstrating our gratitude to be able to call Turtle Island home,” says Cheryl McConney-Wilson, Senior Diversity, Accessibility, Wellness and Recognition Specialist at the City of Markham. Continue reading “The City of Markham launches Indigenous History Month celebrations”

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Prime Minister concludes successful trip to London

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During his visit, Prime Minister Trudeau met with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Theresa May, to grow the already strong economic and trade partnership between our two countries. The two leaders restated their commitment to a seamless transition on free trade as the UK exits the European Union.

They later participated in a security meeting, alongside the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern, and the Prime Minister of Australia, Malcolm Turnbull, to discuss pressing international issues, including cybersecurity, the situation in Syria, and how we work together to keep our countries and communities safe.

While in London, the Prime Minister was received by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace, where he thanked her personally for her continued dedication and service to Canada.

At an event hosted by the Mayor of London, Sadiq Aman Khan, and the Fawcett Society, Prime Minister Trudeau joined Mayor Khan, Prime Minister Ardern, and young people from across London to mark the 100th anniversary since the first women received the right to vote in the UK, and discuss the importance of gender equality.

At CHOGM, the Prime Minister underlined Canada’s commitment to address climate change, protect our oceans, and deliver economic growth that creates jobs and benefits everyone. He also reiterated the need to strengthen the Commonwealth’s role in protecting and promoting universal values of democracy, human rights – including LGBTQ2 rights – and the rule of law. Continue reading “Prime Minister concludes successful trip to London”

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Balanced Budget: Stimulates and Supports

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Last week, the Finance Minister of Ontario, Mr. Charles Sousa and the Premier, presented the Budget 2018 to multicultural media. In several aspects, Budget 2018 is one which stimulates and supports growth and investments creating a plethora of opportunities.

Healthcare

First and foremost, they addressed what was meant by ‘A Plan for Care and Opportunity’ wherein the needs for accessible and affordable childcare, eldercare and long-term care for families that need these is the prime focus. Budget 2018 addresses these burning issues so that   extended health benefits, prescription drugs and dental care are made available to all families.

A caring government will enable many seniors to stay in their own homes, and also there will be long-term care beds which would include spaces for culturally approved. An increase of over 2 billion over the next four years to enhance the level of care and access for mental health and addiction services, including publicly funded psychotherapy and supportive housing.

Women Empowerment

Efforts to boost the economy include Women’s Economic Empowerment Strategy which will invest in initiatives to support women’s access to opportunities. Support will be provided for female entrepreneurs and women’s corporate leadership. Equally important, it will develop a return-to-work program and continue to encourage sharing of caregiving responsibilities.

Education

Ontario is investing almost $16 billion in capital grants over 10 years for new and improved schools. This year alone, the Province is investing $784 million to build 39 schools and renovate 40 existing ones. The government is providing over $250 million in new funding over 3 years to eliminate waitlists for special education, ensuring that students with special needs have timely access to individualized needs and chart a path to success. Continue reading “Balanced Budget: Stimulates and Supports”

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Prime Minister concludes visit to the United States

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The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today concluded his visit to Chicago, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. During his visit, the Prime Minister met with several political and business leaders to underscore the importance of the Canada-US relationship, and create more opportunities for Canada’s middle class.

In Chicago, the Prime Minister met with Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner and Mayor of Chicago Rahm Emanuel to discuss the importance of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), as well as climate change, cross border tourism, and the energy sector. He also spoke to students at the University of Chicago Institute of Politics, where he stressed the importance of civic duty, youth engagement, gender equality, and multiculturalism.

In San Francisco, Prime Minister Trudeau met with global business leaders to promote Canada as one of the best places to invest. He met with Chief Executive Officer of Salesforce Marc Benioff, who announced that his company would invest US$2 billion over the next five years in Canada. This investment will expand Salesforce’s client relationship management services and lead to the creation of thousands of good, middle class jobs. The Prime Minister also met with AppDirect President and Chief Executive Officer Daniel Saks, who announced that he would create 300 new jobs and expand the company’s footprint in Canada.

The Prime Minister also held meetings with Amazon Chief Executive Officer Jeff Bezos, AMGen Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Robert Bradway, and eBay President and Chief Executive Officer Devin Wenig. Continue reading “Prime Minister concludes visit to the United States”

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“Canada and India share a special bond”-Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

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 The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, has announced that he will travel to India – at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi – for a state visit from February 17 to 23, 2018.

Canada and India enjoy a special relationship that is based on a common language, similar institutions and forms of government, and a commitment to democracy. India is one of the fastest growing economies in the world, and offers tremendous opportunities to grow Canada’s middle class and bolster our shared prosperity.

This state visit – which includes stops in Agra, Amritsar, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi – will provide an opportunity for Prime Minister Trudeau to connect with Indian leaders in government and business, promote the empowerment of women and girls, and strengthen Canada and India’s close economic ties.

During the visit, Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Modi will reaffirm the close friendship between our two countries, and discuss ways to create good middle class jobs for Canadians and Indians alike.

Prime Minister Trudeau will also participate in several business roundtables to promote further trade and investment between Canada and India. The Canadian delegation will also work closely with Indian leaders to advance mutual growth and prosperity. Continue reading ““Canada and India share a special bond”-Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada”

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Parichay & Fazilpuria just got the wildest Party Started!

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It has been an incredible past few months for Indo-Canadian Bollywood Singer & Music Producer, Parichay, who recently released tracks with Sean Kingston, Nargis Fakhri & Kardinal Offishall. While the hype of “Habitaan Vigaad Di” & Saare Mundeya Nu” continues to grow, Parichay just dropped a brand new single titled “Let’s Get The Party Started” featuring Haryanvi rapper, Fazilpuria, known for his mega Bollywood hit, “Kar Gayi Chull” with fellow rapper, Badshah.

This collaboration, currently being marketed as #LGTPS, was reportedly facilitated by Anurag Bedi of Zee Music Company. Parichay confirms “Anurag suggested that Fazilpuria would be the right feature on this track, which was a great idea as Fazil represents a Haryanvi desi swag that works really well with the music, which is very modern and western. I’ve always been about that east-meets-west sound, so I sent him the beat right away and only a day later, he sent me his rap verse. He had loved the beat and I thought his rap was super catchy as well, so we went ahead with it and the rest is history”

The two just completed a press tour across North India and Radio Jockeys were heard praising the track on first listen, saying things like “this is as fresh as it gets”, “incredible collaboration, incredible sound”, “the drop is a beast” etc.  Continue reading “Parichay & Fazilpuria just got the wildest Party Started!”

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“Merry Christmas, Canada!”-P.M. Justin Trudeau

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“In 2017, people across Canada gave us much reason to be proud, and showed us the strength in our diversity. Canadians are neighbours helping neighbours, sharing warmth, compassion, and generosity—not just at Christmas, but all year round.

“For Christians around the world, this season is a time to celebrate Jesus Christ and his message of compassion. For all of us, it is a chance to come together to give thanks for everything that unites us.

“As the 150th anniversary of Confederation draws to a close, all of us have a role to play in shaping our world for the better. In the New Year, and throughout the years to come, let’s commit to making a difference. Whether by lending a hand to a neighbour, or volunteering for a cause we believe in, let’s give generously, and live out the values that bring us together.

“Let’s also reach out and listen—to those next door, across the aisle, and at the dinner table. Building a better world starts where we work and live, in our communities, and at home.

“During the holidays, I also ask you take a moment to remember our brave servicewomen and men, and their families. They make extraordinary sacrifices to keep us safe.

“From our family to yours, Hadrien, Ella-Grace, Xavier, Sophie, and I wish you joy, health, love, and peace this holiday season. Merry Christmas.”

Continue reading ““Merry Christmas, Canada!”-P.M. Justin Trudeau”