Welcome Address by the Mayor of Ottawa Jim Watson and Deputy Mayor Steve Desroches
July 18, 2013The 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.