Mississauga, ON:

Peel Newcomer Strategy Group was one of the fourteen remarkable people and organisations that received Ontario’s Newcomer Champion Award 2012 at a ceremony on Monday, November 26 in Toronto.

Inspired by three Ontario visionaries – Daniel Iannuzzi, Jean Lumb and Mary Ann Shadd – the award was created in 2007 to recognise people and groups who have made a difference in Ontario communities through active citizenship and engagement.

“This year’s Newcomer Champions have made outstanding contributions to their communities by helping newcomers feel welcome and building on the richness of Ontario’s diversity,” says Michael Chan, Ontario’s Minister of Citizenship and Immigration.

INCLUSIVE PLACE

“I do believe that this award is a testament to the collaborative efforts of our stakeholders in making the Peel community a more vibrant and inclusive place for all residents,” says PNSG director Aamna Ashraf.

“We are excited about our work ahead and believe that Ontario’s new Immigration Strategy is aligned to the work of the Peel Newcomer Strategy Group in helping newcomers and their families succeed while creating an economy and community that is prosperous, inclusive and equitable.”

While Peel Region has seen 113.6 per cent increase of new immigrant landings in 2010 compared to 2000 (from 11,934 to 25,494), it receives an average of over 2000 new arrivals monthly.

As a result of the rapid population growth in Peel as well as cultural and linguistic diversity in newcomer settlement, the Peel community is committed to finding collaborative strategies to better address the concerns and needs of all its residents.