Ontario's Newcomer Champions Honoured

Thirteen leaders in promoting diversity and creating an Open Ontario for newcomers will be honoured in Toronto.

Ten individuals and three organizations will be recognized for their work to promote Ontario's many diverse cultures, and helping newcomers to settle and integrate successfully in the province.

This year's recipients include:

• A Newcomer Network that is dedicated to attracting and retaining newcomers to North Bay by promoting inclusion and hiring of immigrants
• An English as a Second Language teacher who assesses credentials for newcomer high school students in Toronto
• A Hamilton community activist who advocates for housing, employment and health for refugees and newcomers
• A nun who created a temporary residence for female immigrants and refugees in Ottawa
• A St. Catharines advisor and facilitator who helps newcomers get accredited and integrated into the local labour market

The award ceremony will take place on Friday, June 25, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. at the Westin Prince Hotel in Toronto, in honour of National Multiculturalism Day, June 27.