TORONTO—There are few things that change a person's life as much as leaving behind the culture and people they grew up with and moving to a foreign land.
It's a life-changing experience hundreds of thousands of immigrants go through each year. For many, without the language and cultural understanding of their new land, it's a difficult and sometimes frightening process.
On Friday, National Multiculturalism Day in Canada, those individuals who helped new Canadians adjust to their adopted home were recognized by the Ontario government in the annual Newcomer Champion Awards.
"The path of a newcomer is a courageous one," said Michael Chan, an immigrant himself and Ontario's Minister of Citizenship and Immigration.
Chan went on to point out the province's urgent need for immigrants, describing an aging population and plunging birthrate that threatens the national economy with a rapidly shrinking workforce.
"They are the future," he said.
This year, nine individuals and one organization were recognized for their efforts in helping new Canadians get settled.
Among them were Frances Martino-Soulliere, who created an ESL program at a local high school, and Yasmin Vali, who provides workshops to hospital staff on cultural sensitivity. Vali also co-founded the Volunteer Community Health Clinic, which helps newcomers adjust and respond to their medical and social needs.
"We are very proud to receive this honour," said Samantha Koon with Skills for Change, a non-profit organization that offers newcomers sector-specific programs and services that help them get into the work force.
Also honoured were Dr. Peter Ashward Sealy, Liban Abdi, Dr. Paul Caulford, Maureen Geddes, Adit Kumar, Jeffrey Byunghun Min, The New Pioneers Awards Team, and Carmela Nini.
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