The Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference (GGCLC) is making a stop in Timmins as part of their Northern Ontario tour aimed at examining leadership and building the Canada we want.

One part of the Timmins visit is a cricket showcase and conversation about immigration in Northern Ontario led by the Timmins Local Immigration Partnership (TLIP). The aim of this stop is to compel tour members to widen their perspective on immigration and explore first-hand the relationships between decision-makers and the newcomer community, ultimately challenging members’ own beliefs, values and preconceptions through uninhibited face-to-face discussions.

“This study group is one of 16 groups touring Canada and the Timmins stop of the Northern Tour offers some unique opportunities for insight into the challenges and achievements for Canadians in Northern Ontario,” said Brian Marks, Chair of the GGCLC Northern Tour.

“Immigration is a topic that needs to be front and centre and what better way to educate than to provide a cultural demonstration combined with frank dialogue.”

With the theme of this conference, ‘an examination of leadership and the Canada we wish to build,’ the tour will gain a first-hand perspective of the sometimes difficult realities of immigration in Northern Ontario as well as the advantages that smaller, more rural communities have to offer. While also noting the important role that social activities play in the long-term integration and retention of newcomers.

“Playing cricket in Northern Ontario was never in mind when I first bought a business and moved to Timmins,” said Samar Thapa, Captain of the Timmins Tigers cricket team.

“But because of my passion and love for the game we tried to give it a shot with the help of Timmins Multicultural Centre and the journey has been awesome so far. It’s unbelievable how many new people I have met just because of cricket. Even the transition to new life in Timmins went smooth as we had more members joining the sport and every weekend of summer was fun. I feel it will be a great amalgamation of different cultures, which helps in understanding different nationalities.”

The public is welcome to attend the cricket match which will see the Timmins Tigers take on Sudbury.  The match gets underway at 10:00 am this Sunday, June 11, at the Royal/King Street Park.

Filed under: Local News