This seminar will explore the factors that enable organizations to be welcoming to immigrants and racialized communities. Rashmi Luther, Carleton University Lecturer, will present the learning developed through the Ottawa Equity Project; Syd Gravel, a former staff sergeant, will share the experience of the Ottawa Police in promoting equity and inclusion; and Caroline Andrew, Director of the Centre on Governance, will provide some reflection on how to assess our impact in organizational change process.  Small group discussions will allow the participants to engage with the ideas presented by the speakers and what they mean for their organizations.

This seminar, hosted by DERG (Diversity and Equity Research Group), a joint initiative of OLIPand the University of Ottawa, will bring greater understanding on the challenges and opportunities confronting us as we seek to improve our capacity to attract and integrate Francophone immigrants into the Ottawa Community.  Speakers from local service provider organizations, regional planning bodies, and immigrant civic groups will set the stage for an inter-sectoral discussion aiming to generate ideas and sustain public attention on the importance of Francophone immigration for the Ottawa community.

The Mayor of Ottawa, his Worship Jim Watson will host a breakfast reception with key business, civic and religious leaders to proclaim the last week of June as the Welcoming Ottawa Week.  MASC Performance will animate the Mayor’s breakfast reception and proclamation of the WOW ceremony. 

Hosted by the OLIP Council – in collaboration with the Reseau de Soutien de l’immigration francophone de l’Est Ontario – the 2^nd Annual Ottawa Immigration Forum will broadcast Ottawa’s progress on the Ottawa Immigration Strategy, celebrate successes, and enable community reflection on areas of desired d action.  This year’s Forum will focus on the theme of “the Building Blocks of a Welcoming City” and feature a keynote speech by Gerry Clement and a panel on international students, comprised of representatives of local post-secondary institutions.

CPAMO (Cultural Pluralism in the Arts Movement of Ontario) and local arts organizations will meet with immigrant artists who are interested to participate in their work in multiple roles.  This is part of efforts to promote the participation of immigrants artists while at the same time building the capacity of arts organizations in our community. 

Hosted by the CPAMO, this town hall discussion will explore ways of building the capacity of arts organization to engage immigrant and minority artists. 

Movie screening in neighborhood parks is a fun component of the Welcoming Ottawa Week, intended to enable neighbors to spend quality time together as they watch a move featuring aspects of immigrant integration.  This year, movie night will be held in Brewer Park, under the big tent provided by the Community Cup.  Bring your blankets and folding chairs and enjoy the summer breeze with neighbors. 

Held annually by the Catholic Centre for Immigrants, the community cup is a family event in the Brewer Park, featuring friendly soccer tournament and fun events for everyone. The Community Cup also features a citizenship ceremony and the well coveted Community Cup is awarded at the end of the event to a winning team. The event is organized by volunteer teams of immigrants and the soccer teams are comprised of players that are diverse in many respects.