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
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
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
Canada has been shaped by people who came from all over the world to build this country. WOW offers a platform for us to celebrate this history and the future it will help…

Alex Munter, Chair of the OLIP Council and President and CEO of the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario and Ottawa Children’s Treatment Centre
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
OLIP helps to unite and share scarce resources for greater impact by working together in the field of student education.

Walter Piovesan
Associate Director of Education, Ottawa Carleton District School Board
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
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

Welcome Address by the Mayor of Ottawa Jim Watson and Deputy Mayor Steve Desroches

July 18, 2013

The 2nd Annual Ottawa Immigration Forum was opened by the Deputy Mayor of Ottawa, Councillor Steve Desroches, who represented Mayor Jim Watson, who could not attend.

In his speech, Councillor Desroches highlighted the importance of immigration for Ottawa’s sustainability, economic prosperity, and cultural and social vitality. He reinforced City of Ottawa’s continued commitment to the goals of the Ottawa Immigration Strategy (OIS) and the key leadership role taken by the City in the implementation of the OIS.

In a written message addressed to Forum hosts, the OLIP Council and the Reseau de Soutien de l’immigration francophone de l’Est de l’Ontario, Mayor Jim Watson stated:

“The Ottawa Immigration Forums provide a valuable opportunity to recognize Ottawa’s progress and to work collaboratively to define new goals and directions. The wealth of resources and the intellectual capital of the stakeholder groups represented at the Ottawa Immigration Forums combine to offer invaluable counsel and solid leadership in the implementation of the Ottawa Immigration Strategy”.

Read the Message from Mayor Jim Watson 
Read Deputy Mayor Steve Desroches’ speaking notes

View the video of Deputy Mayor, Councillor Steve Desroche’s opening remarks at the 2nd Annual Ottawa Immigration Forum.