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Canada's multiculturalism celebrated The Canadian Champion, Friday, JuIy 7, 2006 - A9 SPECIAL TO THE CHAMPION Sunshrne was in short supply lasi Tuesday during the Canadian Multiculturalism Day Picnic at Bronte Creek Provincial Park, but the bright red-and-white colour scheme more than made up for it. Fromn balloons, flags and temporary maple leaf tattoos to carnations pinned on dignitaries and a huge slab cake, the theme was repeated in vibrant defiance of the ramn clouds that eventually forced the proceedings under the Breckon Shelter. No matter, the entertainment from a vanecty of cultures continued as planned and its safe 10 say a good time was had by ail. Hosted by the Halton Multicultural Council (HMIC), the event provided the opportunity to learn more about the contributions that various communi- ties make to Canadian society and to celebrate this countrys richness and diversity (The Government of Canada announced on November 13, 2002 that Canadian Multiculturalism Day wvill be held on june 27 each year.) Oakville MPP Kevin Flynin - whom HMC Managing Director Joanna Matthews called a "long-standing champion' of ber organization - main- tained that multiculturalism is a " fun- damental part of the values we hold dear' in Canada. If people bning the best of their cultures to this country he said, then differences can actually bind Canadians dloser together. Burlington MP Mike Wallace - dressed in a Canadian flag-tnimmed shirt - agreed, sa-ying Canada boasts 400 years of immigration that have not only broadened cultural diversity but also added to the Canadian quality of life and peace. Esther Sbaye, representing Halton MP Garth Turner, then gave Mattbews a new Canadian flag to lly over HMIC's office. Another special guest was Ontanio Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Mike Colle, wbo said Canadians come fromn 200-plus coun- tries and bring with them their "bnght- est and best." He then praised HMC for its leading role in aiding immigrants. "The Halton Multicultural Council is nurturing Canada by nurturing new- comners," he said. Colle was also on hand to mark the launch of HMC's Bridge-to-Work Service for lnternationally Trained Accountants and Bookkeepers, a pro- gram designed for professionals who are convention refugees, permanent residents, permit holders and Canadian citizens and bave two or more years experience in bookkeeping and accounting. "Our new service addresses barriers that impede the integration of interna- Lanadian labour market," said Matthews. Common bamrers for new- comers; include a lack of understanding of workplace language, culture and the requirements for licensure. We also find that many employers are unaware of the tremendous skills and global experience the internationally trained oller tbem.' Colle said the Province bas invested $484,126 in the program, wbicb M11l support atIclast 144 newcomers over a two-year pilot period. \iýc IcI il Iic iaIlIinaliy trained accounitants, and bookkeepers work in the field of their expertise. Newcomers bave tbe drive, the skill and the global experience that Ontario needs to prosper," said Colle. "We are very proud to be parîners witb the Halton Multicultural Councîl." Earlier in the afternoon, the Oakville Kiwanis Club presented a cheque for $5,000 in support of HMCs Summer ESL Program for Cbildren. Oakville firm Omron also gave HMC a cheque for $4,586. LIEbA KUHTMANN / SPECIAL TO THE CHAMPION Andrea Benjamin sings with the Hamilton Childrens Choir during the Multiculturalism Day Picnic at Bronte Creek Provincial Park. System - 39&1017 497 ~ - Potassium ~ __ Chioride Pellets 20kg. 3%6 1016 87 ~3&4oAbc Ula Featherrock Garden Stone Planters A raturai stone garden planter tach onse is an original. tach onie is fasliloied trora a Featlierock botider -- a real stoise with a distinctive tilver gray color, Featherock planters are decorative, lightweight arid portable, ideal for container gardenrng __ They measure 12-18 iches 9 andl weight 15-20 pounds. fnm >I 4 9 Large Annuals in 6" Pots A perfect fit for your new Featlierrock planter. 399 Ali Un-Stock BBQ's and Firmv- Pits MILTON Country Depot Formerly Co-Op 28 Oronte St. N. (905) 878-2391 Monday - Friday: 8 arn - 6 pm Saturday: 8 arn- 5 prn Sunday: Clos.d *PetPoodm *awnGarden D ird Seed *Propane *Clothkwg. *Fern Stpphes Footv.w Equine Suppies N sTEUR AU. MnSt. "rloetb s ai Braces for Children & Aduits Dr Sten Bacc/us Crelating SMILES that build CONFIDENCE.. 311 commrcial Stret-Suile 209.MIlton. Tel.905.875,2995 e, No referais necessary e Flexible payment plans eCommitted to quality care, service and your satisfaction For that WINNING SMILE, please eall our office ESMc.BkID) to arrange for a FREE Initial Consultation* DD1McfScFC C M Or / - Summers best picks ;7suj