CTC 5th Annual Thai Pongal Dinner – Celebration of Thai Pongal and Two Exemplary Canadians

Greetings from the Government of Canada, Province of Ontario, and City of Toronto

Chris Alexander, MP Ajax-Pickering and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence, brought greetings from Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper and reaffirmed the Canada’s commitment Human Rights and promoting peace and equality across the globe, including Sri Lanka. Hon. Charles Sousa, the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, announced that steps have been taken by Province of Ontario in consultation with Canadian Tamil Congress to recognize January as Tamil Heritage Month. Councillor Michael Thompson brought greetings from Mayor Rob Ford and announced the proclamation of January as Tamil Heritage Month.

CTC announces plans to develop Tamil Cultural Centre and launch a Leadership Academy

“CTC is also taking initial steps to develop a Tamil Cultural Centre,” said , Mr. Suntharamoorthy Umasuthan, the President of Canadian Tamil Congress in his address. “We have very ambitious goals for this community and it is with your ongoing support that we can keep pushing at the rate that we are.”

CTC’s board of director Mr. Kumar Ratnam announced the launch of a Leadership Centre of Excellence in 2012.

Chief Guest Mr. M.A. Sumanthiran MP of Tamil National Alliance

The chief guest of the evening, Mr. M.A. Sumanthiran MP of Tamil National Alliance thanked the government of Canada for its leadership in pushing for accountability, peace and reconciliation in Sri Lanka.

“…so much political maneuvering in the world and no decision is made on principal and Canada is such a great exception to that rule and I want to thank Canada for that,” said Sumintharan. “As there are various leaders present today, I want to say how much we value your support.”

He shed light on the stark reality in Sri Lanka, including the process of militarization and colonization in the North and East, the hollow approach to reconciliation, and the lack of willingness to work towards a meaningful devolution of power by the government of Sri Lanka. While expressing his frustrations at the negotiating table with the Government of Sri Lanka, he emphasized the need to articulate the grievances of Sri Lankan Tamils to the Sinhala masses. He reaffirmed TNA’s mandate to its electorate and explained why it is critical not to leave the negotiating table in Sri Lanka. He thanked the diaspora for its contribution, appealed for understanding, and stressed the need to work in unison knowing that the goal is one.

Service Excellence Award Recipient – Hon. Jack Layton

As part of our ongoing commitment to volunteerism and promoting community involvement, CTC honoured the contribution of the Late Hon. Jack Layton, Former Leader of the Federal New Democratic Party. To Tamil Canadians, Jack was more than a parliamentarian; he was a dear friend who supported us during difficult times and often engaged with community members. Jack has time and time again stood up for freedom, peace, and equality for all and has proved to be an inspiration to all Canadians, both young and old. His son, Councillor Mike Layton accepted the award on his behalf and addressed the crowd.

Leaders for Change Award Recipient – Captain Gus Dalton

This year’s recipient of this award was Captain Gus Dalton; the Captain of the Atlantic Reaper who led the rescue of 155 Tamil men, women, and children off the coast of St. Shotts, Newfoundland, on August 11th, 1986. The kindness exhibited by Gus, his crew members and the citizens of Newfoundland & Labrador on August 11th, 1986 is a testament to the spirit of Canadian values and will forever be engrained in the hearts and minds of Tamil Canadians. As the announcer of the award stated “ A country does not gain an international reputation as a leader – it earns it when leaders like Gus, from communities small and large – demonstrate this quality unassumingly, and with humility.”

CTC raised $50,000 for Amnesty International

Every year CTC’s Tamil Canadian Walk-a-thon raises funds for an organization that has worked tirelessly for the betterment of Canadians. This year, CTC presented a $50,000 cheque to Amnesty International, a worldwide movement of people dedicated to the protection and promotion of human rights.

Entertainment

A sincere thank you to Dr. Varagunan Mahadevan, Guru Nirothini Pararajasingham and her students, Ms. Elizabeth Malini, and Ms. Vaitheki Tharamaratnam for providing entertainment at the dinner.

Thank You

The Canadian Tamil Congress would like to thank its volunteers, members, sponsors, advertisers and friends for your generous support. Your contributions have strengthened the voice of Tamil Canadians both in Canada and beyond our borders. Thank you for making the Fifth Annual Thai Pongal Dinner an enormous success. We look forward to your continued support

Published on: 02/06/12 16:00