NRIs invited to participate in Canada Day Unity Parade

Mr. Tony Ruprecht, M.P.P. and the Canada Unity Day Federation  held a meeting this evening (June 17, 1998) to plan the Canada Day Unity Parade. Mr. Ruprecht  informed that hundreds of community groups in Toronto and vicinity representing people originally from over 60 countries were invited. In order to communicate effectively, two meetings with two different sets of groups are being planned. Today's meeting was the first one to discuss the details regarding the Parade. 

Mr. Ruprecht stated that votes from the visible minorities played a critical role in the last referendum held in Quebec. He quoted statements from a recent report that all minorities combined together will form a majority in the city of Toronto in A.D. 2000. He emphasized the need for all  community groups to show that they care and they want a united Canada. He invited everyone to participate actively in the Unity Parade to be held on Canada Day, July 1, 1998.

After some discussion it was decided that community groups can bring flags for countries of their origins.   It was also suggested that in addition to flags, participants can wear their ethnic costumes and can display banners and signs showing which organization they belong to.

At least seven Indo-Canadians were present :  Mr. Sam Chopra and Mr. Shyam Arora from South Asians in Ontario, Mr. Ashok Kaushal from Hindu Cultural Society , Mr. Rajen Merchant  from National Indo-Canadian Council (Ontario), Mrs. Rekha Merchant from National Indo-Canadian Council (Toronto), and two representatives from Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam (Ont.) Inc. Mrs. Rekha Merchant was requested to be the co-ordinator for Indo-Canadian community groups. More information can be obtained by calling Ana Maria at (416) 325-7777 or Rekha Merchant at (416) 321-3529.  Ms. Ana Maria later informed us that 115 representatives were present at the meeting.