The OLIP Council is committed to leadership.  In only a few years, we have a common vision and priorities, and are up to the task of implementing the Ottawa Immigration Strategy.

Salimatou Diallo
OLIP Council Vice Chair, Assemblée de la francophonie de l'Ontario
I’m really impressed with the level of energy and commitment around the Health and Wellbeing table and look forward to continuing collaboration between OLIP and OPH.

Marcela Tapia
Ottawa Public Health
We are very pleased to have done the “Opportunity Cost of Not Investing in Interpretation” report – it is so important to have clarity on these challenges and…

Hindia Mohamoud, Director, OLIP
My nomination is an indication that our hard work in building Canada is recognized. All we do is to serve the community in return for embracing us when we needed it.  

Mehdi Mahdavi
Ottawa Immigrant Entrepreneurship Awards Nominee
The target beneficiary of the work of OLIP is the whole community. In this short period we have planted together important seeds for Ottawa’s development.  

Dick Stewart
OLIP Council
The City of Ottawa will continue to play a lead role in the implementation of the Ottawa Immigration Strategy, just as we did in the founding of OLIP.

Steve Desroches
City Councillor and Deputy Mayor of Ottawa
I was happy to see integration to Algonquin territory and indigenous culture related programming in 2014 WOW. Please continue to involve local Aboriginal organisations and…

Linda Manning
WOW 2014 participant, Senior Fellow, University of Ottawa
The work and expertise that OLIP brings to our community is so important as it helps us to build bridges and break down silos.  I look forward to our continued work together. 

Jim Watson, Mayor of Ottawa
In our city’s history, immigrants have always played an important role. They build our economic prosperity, diversify our culture, contribute to our social vitality.

Jim Watson
Mayor of Ottawa
All the WOW events that I went to were great – WOW does give a sense of a community trying to improve its attraction and retention!

Caroline Andrew
Professor, University of Ottawa

World Voices

March 4, 2013

Entertainment at the Ottawa Immigration Forum reflected the cultural heritage that immigrants bring to Ottawa and which enriches citizens’ culinary, musical, and leisure choices.

Special Performance by the Brookfield World Voices Choir

The World Voices Choir from Brookfield High School performed a heartfelt song in Swahili, entitled “Hebu! Mandari” (Come Sing and Dance). The group studies and performs music from traditional cultures and promotes passion for global citizenship. Members of the choir sing in more than one dozen languages.

Musical entertainment by Shaman Rhythms

Shaman Rhythms, an Ottawa-based band, entertained participants with their unique combination of Spanish guitar, Latin percussion, and influences from flamenco, gypsy jazz, blues and world beats.

Group stretching led by Manali Haridas of “Zen for You”

Successful new Canadian entrepreneur Manali Haridas, founder and owner of “Zen for You”  health studio, led participants through a series of stretching exercises, which drew elements from the traditional yoga disciplines originating in ancient India.