Canada Day
Join the Association of Progressive Muslims of Canada in celebrating Canada Day, a day to honor the diverse and inclusive spirit that defines our nation.
This special occasion brings together communities from all backgrounds to reflect on the shared values of peace, justice, and equality that unite us as Canadians. As we commemorate Canada's rich cultural tapestry, we also reaffirm our commitment to fostering understanding, respect, and harmony among all. Celebrate with us as we embrace the vibrant diversity that makes Canada strong.
Muslim Heritage & Canada Day Award Recipients 2002 & 2003
Dr. Atif A. Kubursi – Professor of Economics
Recognized for his outstanding contributions as an author, researcher, and speaker on Arab and Muslim issues.
Dr. Kenneth H. Ng, M.D., C.M.
Honored for his distinguished service to the intercultural community.
Marylisa Boni
Acknowledged for her compassionate care and assistance to Muslim refugees worldwide.
Ally Esmail
Commended for his dedicated service to the community, leadership, and outreach efforts.
Dr. Kazem Mesbah-Moosavi & Mrs. Ameneh Mottaghi
Recognized for their exceptional leadership in promoting interfaith dialogue, guiding the Umma towards balanced lives, and their service to the community.
Naeemuddin Syed
Honored for his pioneering volunteer work within Toronto’s Muslim community.
The Outreach Committee - Lansing United Church
Recognized for exemplary leadership in community service, human rights, social justice, and interfaith dialogue.
Seven awards were given to the following:
Dr. Hanif Kassam
for “his exemplary work in dealing with the SARS public health issue in York Region.”
Kingsview United Church, Oshawa,
for “the interfaith dialogue and outreach work done by the church under the leadership of Reverend Dave Le Grand.”
Campaign Against Child Poverty
for “amplifying the voice of those smothered with poverty.”
Tasneem Sachee
for “her beautiful Islamic calligraphic work and artistic abilities.”
Nahed Eid
for “her support of the Arab and Muslim causes, and coverage of Muslim issues in the Arab Star’s articles and reports.”
Khaled Homaidan
for “service to the Arab and Muslim communities through books, articles, TV productions, and educational movies.”
Dr. Mohamed Yasin Hammoudeh from Montreal
for “his research on Middle-Eastern history, social sciences and religion, and his intellectual publications on Arab events and Muslim issues.”
6th Annual Canada Day Celebrations 2004
On this occasion, President Mobeen Khaja said “We want to be the first ones in the country to celebrate Canada Day. This celebration is a reaffirmation of our being Canadian. Our diversity is well reflected on this occasion as more communities are participating.”
Dr. Nurjehan Mawani, C.M., was the Keynote Speaker and also one of the award recipients. She spoke about “Diversity, Civil Society and Pluralism” a topic close to her heart.
Awards were presented to the following individuals:
DR. NURJEHAN MAWANI, C.M.,
for her lifetime achievements and outstanding contributions in the public service sector, especially her pioneering work on women refugees and gender-related persecution which has brought Canada international recognition, and her strong commitment to excellence, and her volunteer work.
DR. ABDUL FATTAH ELZAWI, MD. FRCP. ABIM.,
for his achievements in the field of medicine, particularly his research, and his dedicated volunteer work in serving the Muslim and Arab communities, and his passion for establishing an Arab Community Centre.
DR. SHAKIR ULLAH HUSAIN SHEIKH, M.D.,
for his volunteer work in serving the Ottawa Muslim community for more than 30 years, his compassion towards others, especially the weak and needy, his guidance, spiritual knowledge and the religious services he has rendered on many occasions.
COUNCILLOR SUZAN HALL
for her commitment and long-standing service to the community in Etobicoke, including the Muslim community, as a Trustee, Chair and Vice Chair of the School Board, and Municipal Councillor.
MR. MOHAMED-BAQIR ALLOO
in recognition of his dedicated volunteer work in serving the Ithna-Asheri community for many years, especially as an educator, his knowledge and wisdom that have helped many on numerous occasions.
MS. YASMIN RATANSI
for her volunteer work for many years, especially her dedication to promoting peace, harmony and better understanding among various communities, as well as her long time passion to hold public office. Ms. Ratansi was elected as M.P. in the recent Federal election.
MR. MUSTAALI KANCHWALA
for his volunteer work in serving his community, his compassion and dedication to helping others, especially his focus on youth.
7th Annual Canada Day Celebrations 2005
Award recipients at the 7th Annual Canada Day Celebrations were:
The York Regional Police
recognized for “the difference the police force is making, under the leadership of Chief Armand P. La Barge, with its innovative and forward looking policies for keeping neighborhoods, streets and schools safe in York Region”. Many officers from the York Regional Police surprised Chief Armand La Barge by attending the event.
Professor Ibrahim Dincer
was recognized for “his research in fuel cell technology to power vehicles in an effort to find an alternative to gasoline in order to cut down on pollution and greenhouse gas emissions for a cleaner environment and clean air”.
Miss Dilzayn Panjwani
a grade 12 exceptional student at Branksome Hall and one of the 30 winners of the “National Award Scholars2005” by the Canadian Merit Scholarship Foundation, was recognized for her “exceptional achievements in studies while pursuing several extra-curricular activities, and for giving the community the gift of her time as a volunteer, in Canada and abroad”.
Durham Regional Police Service
was recognized for “the excellent community service the police force is providing with the ongoing partnerships with various diverse communities in the region, and for its commitment to keeping Durham Region a safe place to work and live”. Deputy Chiefs Rod Piukkala and Chuck Mercier received the award on behalf of the police force.
Mr. Ahmed Hussen
was recognized for his “leadership and outstanding contributions in reviving and rejuvenating the Regent Park neighborhood, and his ability to build bridges between people”.
Jessica LeCroy, Consul General for the United States,
said that this was her first Canada Day celebration since her posting here. She was delighted when the Association wished her and her colleague, Nicholas Giacobbe, a very happy 4th of July and presented her with a magnificent flower arrangement.
8th Annual Canada Day Celebrations 2006
Barbara Hall, Chief Commissioner of the Ontario Human Rights Commission, served as the keynote speaker and was also one of the award recipients. For Mr. John Nay, the newly appointed U.S. Consul General, this event marked his first official APMO function.
Award Recipients:
Barbara Hall, B.A., LL.B., Ph.D. (Hon)
Chief Commissioner, Ontario Human Rights Commission
Recognized for her outstanding public service as a community worker, lawyer, city councillor, Mayor of Toronto, and Chief Commissioner of the Ontario Human Rights Commission.
Dr. Ali Grami
Honored for his research in satellite technology, which provides high-speed internet access to remote areas in North America.
Ahmed Habib
Acknowledged for his work on human rights and social justice issues on campus, and for his vision and dedication in establishing an access center for students with disabilities.
Amyn Keshavjee
Recognized for his contributions to the betterment of society through volunteer work with various Muslim and non-Muslim organizations.
Mateen Khaja
Commended for his volunteer work since his teenage years, and for his enthusiasm and creativity in serving the community through media and technology.
9th Annual Canada Day Celebrations 2007
AWARD RECIPIENTS:
DR. KARIM F. DAMJI, MD, FRCSC, MBA
In recognition of his outstanding research in understanding the root causes of various glaucomas, and for developing rational therapeutic strategies to prevent blindness related to severe forms of glaucoma, and for his remarkable volunteer work in Canada and abroad.
EMILY NG
In recognition of her outstanding volunteer work and for building bridges of understanding between diverse communities, and for her contributions towards the success of the Taste of Asia Festival.
MASHKOOR HASAN (BARNI)
In recognition of his significant contributions to the communities in Durham and Peel region to promote peace, harmony and cultural diversity.
DAHLIA NAWWAR
In recognition of her contributions to the community and dedication to youth work in the national capital region over the past 10 years, and currently as coordinator of the national security youth outreach program at the RCMP national headquarters in Ottawa.
10th Annual Canada Day Celebrations 2008
The 10th annual celebration took place in Room 200, West Block, Parliament Hill, marking a new venue and a joint celebration of Canada Day and U.S. Independence Day, highlighting the strong relationship between the two nations.
His Excellency David Wilkins, U.S. Ambassador, served as the keynote speaker and award recipient, honored for his efforts to strengthen Canada-U.S. relations. He received a plaque and Sandulak's polar bear sculpture. Mr. Kevin Vickers, Sergeant-at-Arms of the House of Commons, presented a special Peace Tower flag in a wooden box featuring the House of Commons emblem. The Honorable Jason Kenney, Secretary of State for Multiculturalism and Canadian Identity, was the Chief Guest.
Two cakes, adorned with the Canadian and American flags, were cut to commemorate the occasion. Dilshaan Panjwani sang both national anthems and presented Ambassador Wilkins with a scroll of the 110th U.S. Congressional Resolution recognizing Ramadan as the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. Mr. Goldy Hyder, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Hill & Knowlton Canada, emceed the event.
We extend our gratitude to our table sponsors:
Platinum Sponsors:
Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan
Calibre Sales Inc.
Hill & Knowlton Canada
First Financial Underwriting Services Inc.
Pfizer Canada Inc.
Super-Pufft Snacks Corp.
Wi-LAN V-Chip Corporation
Gold Sponsors:
Darveshali Group of Companies
Dr. Dilkhush Panjwani
Trento Motors Ltd.
Western Union Financial Services Canada Inc.
11th Annual Canada Day Celebrations 2009
The 11th annual celebrations were held at the Thorncliffe Park Banquet Hall, marking the first time Canada Day and U.S. Independence Day were jointly celebrated in Toronto.
Michael Prue, Member of Provincial Parliament for Beaches-East York, was the keynote speaker and award recipient. Known as an East York icon, Mr. Prue has been a dedicated public servant since 1988, serving as Councillor, Mayor of East York, and later as a Councillor for the City of Toronto. He was honored with a plaque and a John Perry sculpture of a school of whales, recognizing his "long-standing public service as Mayor and MPP" and his courageous stance on difficult issues. A second plaque was presented to him by Mr. Abdulhaq Ingar of the Islamic Society of Toronto.
Nauman Khan, Anchor and Reporter for OMNI News-South Asian Edition, emceed the evening. The event featured the traditional cutting of two cakes—one for Canada and one for the United States—accompanied by the singing of both national anthems by Dilshaan Panjwani at the start and at midnight, continuing the Association's tradition of being the first to celebrate Canada Day.
We extend our gratitude to the table sponsors:
Corporate Tables:
- Calibre Sales Inc.
- Darveshali Group of Companies
- Dr. Dilkhush Panjwani & Mrs. Shahnaz Panjwani
- Direct Capital Corporation
- Emil Hinalla of Shell Gas Station
- Iqbal Foods Corporation
- Islamic Society of Toronto
- Ismaili Council of Ontario
- RBC Financial Group
- Social Services Network
- TD Bank Financial Group
- Wi-LAN V-Chip Corporation
Regular Tables:
- Adnan Noureddine
- Five Ways Financial Inc.
- CFIF - Shamim Sadiq
- Ghalia & Sajjad Hanif
- Ayub Qureshi
- Sadro Usman
- Dr. Tahira Siddiqui
- Transglobal Systems of Canada
Unfortunately, there are no photos from the event.
12th Annual Canada Day Celebrations 2010
The 12th annual celebrations were held at Kally's Banquet Hall in Scarborough, marking the second time Canada Day and U.S. Independence Day were jointly celebrated in Toronto.
Nauman Khan, Anchor and Reporter for OMNI News - South Asian Edition, was honored as the award recipient, while Haroon Siddiqui, Editorial Page Editor Emeritus of the Toronto Star, served as the keynote speaker. Mr. Khan received a plaque and Sandulak's polar bear sculpture in recognition of his outstanding work in reporting on crime and terrorism, balancing anti-terror legislation with human rights. He also emceed the evening.The event featured the traditional cutting of two cakes—one for Canada and one for the United States—accompanied by the singing of both national anthems by Dilshaan Panjwani at the start and at midnight.
The Association proudly continues its tradition of being the first to celebrate Canada Day.The celebration was attended by various elected representatives from Federal, Provincial, and Municipal governments, as well as members of the Regional Police Services.
We extend our gratitude to our table sponsors:
Platinum Tables:
- Mr. Charles S. Coffey, O.C
- Calibre Sales Inc.
- Darveshali Group of Companies
- Wi-LAN V-Chip Corporation
Gold Tables:
- RBC Financial Group
Silver Tables:- Bennett Jones LLP
- Dr. Dilkhush Panjwani & Mrs. Shahnaz Panjwani
Regular Tables:
- Mr. Rasool Kaleemi
- Five Ways Financial Inc.
- TD Financial Group
- Ghalia & Sajjad Hanif
- Mr. Sadruddin Usman
- Transglobal Systems of Canada
- Council for Tamils Support Services
- International Muslim Organization of Toronto
Unfortunately, no photos are available from the event.
13th Annual Canada Day Celebrations 2011
The 13th annual celebrations were held at the Kally's Banquet Hall in Scarborough. Canada Day and the Independence Day of the United States of America were celebrated together in Toronto for the second time.
Mr. Aadeel Haleem, Reporter, OMNI News - South Asian Edition was the Master of Ceremonies. Mr. Badar Shamim, CIM CFP, Investment Advisor TD Waterhouse was the Keynote Speaker.
Mr. Derek Vincent Lee, former Member of Parliament was the Award Recipient. He was presented with a plaque and Sandulak's polar bear sculpture. The inscription on the plaque was as follows: " IN RECOGNITION OF YOUR OUTSTANDING PUBLIC SERVICE AS A MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR SCARBOROUGH-ROUGE RIVER FOR 23 YEARS AND YOUR PASSION FOR DEFENDING THE PARLIAMENTARY DEMOCRACY".
In his acceptance speech, Mr. Lee defined the word "progressive" and said that he has known the Association since its inception and that the Association has been moving forward in keeping with the term "progressive".
Rubina Ladhani who worked for Mr. Lee in his Constituency Office for several years and was the Association's Board Member for several years did the citation.
The Opening Dua was done by Imam Shaykh Faisal Abdur-Razak and the Grace by Retired Chief Armand P. La Barge, O. O. M.
Two cakes, one with the Canadian flag and the second one with the American flag, were cut to celebrate the two countries' birthdays. Mr. Charles Coles was present from the United States consulate along with the newly arrived Deputy Consul General.
Many elected representatives from the Federal, Provincial and Municipal governments and from the Regional Police Services attended.
14th Annual Canada Day Celebrations 2012
The 14th annual celebrations were held at the Rasheed Subhani Hall, 6680 Campobello Road, Mississauga, Ontario. Canada Day and the Independence Day of the United States of America were celebrated together for the third time.
Mr. Aadeel Haleem, Reporter, OMNI News - South Asian Edition was the Master of Ceremonies again this year. Mayor Hazel Mccallion of Mississauga was selected as the Award Recipient and the Keynote Speaker. Unfortunately, she felt very ill that evening and could not attend. The plaque and the gift that were to be presented to her were accepted by Councillor Ron Starr on her behalf.
The inscription on the plaque was as follows: "IN RECOGNITION OF YOUR OUTSTANDING PUBLIC SERVICE AS THE LONGEST SERVING MAYOR OF THE CITY OF MISSISSAUGA AND YOUR PASSION TO SERVE YOUR COMMUNITY."
The National Anthem for Canada was recited by Dilshaan Panjwani at the beginning of the event and also at midnight when the two cakes, one with the Canadian flag and the second one with the American flag, were cut to celebrate the two countries' birthdays. Acting Consul General Ms. Patricia Fietz attended along with Kathleen Canning, Legal Attachee, US Consulate..
Honourable Jason Kenney, PC, MP., Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Muticulturism, extended his warmest greetings to all those attending. He said that "by bringing the community together to mark this day, the Progressive Muslims of Canada uphold our country's values and serve as an example of successful integration." The message was read by M.P. Brad Butt.
Many elected representatives from the Federal, Provincial and Municipal governments and from the Regional Police Services attended.
We are grateful to all those who sponsored tables. They are:
Platinum tables were sponsored by Mr. Charles Coffey, O.C., Darveshali Group of Companies, and TD BANK.
Gold tables by Dr. Dilkhush Panjwani & Family and Dr. Najmul Siddiqui
Silver tables by Mr. Faisal Rasheed, Ismaili Council for Ontario, KPMG LLP.
Regular tables by Mr. Adnan Noureddine, Mr. Badar R. Shamim, Mr. Dilawar Shaban, Faith of Life Network/Sayeda Khadija Centre, Federation of Chinese Canadians in Markham, Mrs. Ghalia Hanif & Mr. Sajjad Hanif, Harmonic Electrical Solutions, Moiz Hassan (APMC Life Member), PhoneTek Inc., Sheila Juma, Transglobal Systems of Canada
15th Annual Canada Day Celebrations 2013
The 15th annual celebrations were held at the Estate Banquets & Event Centre, 430 Nugget Avenue, Scarborough. Canada Day and the Independence Day of the United States of America were celebrated together for the fourth time. Mayor Frank Scarpitti of the City of Markham was selected as the Award Recipient for this year. He was presented with Sandulak's Spirit Bear and a plaque with the following inscription: IN RECOGNITION OF YOUR OUTSTANDING PUBLIC SERVICE AS THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF MARKHAM AND YOUR PASSION TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY.
Hon. Michael Couteau, Ontario's Minister of Citizenship, was the Keynote Speaker. His speech was inspiring and reflected what Canada is all about - a country that takes pride in its diversity and where one has opportunities to reach their goals. He spoke about his own family and how his parents took whatever jobs they could to survive so their children could have a better life. Nowhere else can an immigrant who was not even born here can become a Minister.
Hon. John McCallum, M.P. for Markham /Unionville, made the following statement in the House of Commons on June 12, 2013:
"Mr. Speaker, for 15 years the Association of Progressive Muslims of Canada, led by Mr. Mobeen Khaja, has held a Canada Day gala on June 30. At the stroke of midnight, the group, representing all faiths and communities, cuts a cake and sings O Canada together.
The mission of the Association is to build understanding among different communities and faith groups in Canada. This year, the Association is honouring the Mayor of Markham, Frank Scarpitti. I have had the privilege of working with Mayor Scarpitti in various capacities since my first election to this House in 2000. This year Markham was declared Canada's most multicultural community, and I am deeply proud of this accomplishment.
"I would like to thank the Association of Progressive Muslims of Canada for its efforts to further multiculturalism, and I would also like to offer congratulations for its continued success in celebrating our great country".
Miss Yumna Siddiqui and Ms Sanam Islam, Reporter OMNI news, South-Asian Edition were the Masters of Ceremonies. The National Anthem for Canada was sung by Niam Vora both at the start of the event and at midnight before the cake cutting ceremony. The US National Anthem was rendered by Jasin Osmani.
Four more awards were presented to individuals and organizations as follows:
Community Leader Award: Mr. Khalid Usman
Charity Award: International Development and Relief Foundation (IDRF)
Professional Award: City TV
Youth Award: Hamzah Moin
As this was the fifteenth annual celebration, a colourful booklet was produced. It contained messages from Prime Minister Rt. Hon.Stephen Harper, Hon. Thomas Mulcair, Leader of the Official Opposition, Hon. Justin Trudeau, Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada and Hon. Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturism.
Premier of Ontario, Honourable Kathleen Wynne also sent a message in which she congratulated Mayor Frank Scarpitti on receiving the APMC Canada Day Award.
Mayor Dave Ryan of the City of Pickering also sent a message as he could not attend.
The cake this year was made by Yumna Siddiqui and was delicious. It was a replica of the Parliament Buildings and impressed everyone. Good job Yumna!
Thanks to Dr. Shan Chandrasekar and Mrs. Jaya Chandrasekar of Asian Television Network for the Media sponsorship.
We are grateful to all those who sponsored tables. The booklet also contained advertisements from them. The names of our sponsors are as follows:
PLATINUM SPONSORS: DARVESHALI GROUP OF COMPANIES, TD BANK, THE PROPERTY BOUTIQUE ( Anna Vora). THE CAKE SHOP ( Yumna Siddiqui), IDEAL DEVELOPMENTS
GOLD SPONSORS: IDRF, DR. F. A. EBRAHIM, WEBIST INC., SMART MOBILE SIGNS, ITN FOOD CORPORATION,
SILVER SPONSORS: KPMG LLP. FCCM,
Many elected representatives from the Federal, Provincial and Municipal governments and from the Regional Police Services attended. From the US Consulate, Mr. Scott Walker, Public Affairs Officer attended.
16th Annual Canada Day Celebrations 2014
The 16th annual celebrations were held at the Estate Banquets & Event Centre, 430 Nugget Avenue, Scarborough. Canada Day and the Independence Day of the United States of America were celebrated together for the fifth time. Zaib Shaikh, Imam of the CBC's hit series Little Mosque on the Prairie, was the Keynote Speaker and the Award Recipient for this year. He was presented with Sandulak's polar bear and a plaque with the following inscription: IN RECOGNITION OF YOUR OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE AS THE IMAM OF THE LITTLE MOSQUE ON THE PRAIRIE AND YOUR PASSION TO DEVELOP A VARIETY OF TELEVISION AND FILM PROGRAMMES UNDER THE BANNER OF GOVERNOR FILMS INC.
This year's celebration was on the second day of Ramadan, the month of fasting for Muslims. Hence, it was a combination of Iftar Dinner and Canada Day celebrations and a great opportunity for all to celebrate, participate and understand how great it is to be a Canadian regardless of one's faith or ethnic background. Everyone who spoke had something to say about this all encompassing feeling as being one, the spirit of community, the enjoyment of the diverse cultures and customs and how blessed we are as Canadians.
Miss Yumna Siddiqui and Retired Chief Armand La Barge were the Masters of Ceremonies. The National Anthems for Canada and for the US were sung by the Ismaili Choir both at the start of the event and at midnight before the cake cutting ceremony. They also delighted the audience with other songs and lyrics.
Zaib Shaikh gave an inspiring an eloquent speech and received a standing ovation.
Mr. Goldy Hyder, President and CEO of Hill+Knowlton Strategies came from Ottawa to introduce Zaib Shaikh and do the citation.
From the US Consulate, Mr. Scott Walker, Public Affairs Officer attended. Two cakes were cut at the end of the event, for Canada Day and US Independence Day. Young and old joined in to cut the cakes, mingle and take photos with Zaib Shaikh and his wife, Kirsten Stewart, Head of Twitter Canada who was tweeting through the evening.
Thanks to Dr. Shan Chandrasekar and Mrs. Jaya Chandrasekar of Asian Television Network for Media sponsorship.
We are also grateful to all those who sponsored tables.
Unfortunately, there are no photos from the event.
17th Annual Canada Day Celebrations 2015
The 17th annual celebrations were again held at the Estate Banquets & Event Centre, 430 Nugget Avenue, Scarborough. Canada Day and the Independence Day of the United States of America were celebrated together for the sixth time.
This year's celebration was again during Ramadan, the month of fasting for Muslims. This combination of Iftar Dinner and Canada Day celebrations was a great opportunity for all to celebrate, participate and understand how great it is to be a Canadian regardless of one's faith or ethnic background. All those who spoke expressed how great it is to feel part of this multi- cultural, multi-faith community and enjoy and celebrate the diverse cultures and customs as Canadians.
Dr. Helena Jaczekm, Minister of Community & Social Services was the Keynote Speaker, Consul General of India, Mr. Akhilesh Mishra and Consul General of Pakistan, Mr. Asghar Ali Golo, were the award recipients in recognition of their outreach work and their passion for promoting Friendship, Peace, Harmony and Better Understanding among South Asians in the Greater Toronto Area.
Miss Yumna Siddiqui and Retired Chief Armand La Barge were the Masters of Ceremonies. The National Anthems for Canada and for the US were sung by the Niam Vora both at the start of the event and at midnight before the cake cutting ceremony.
Two cakes were cut at the end of the event, for Canada Day and the US Independence Day. Young and old joined in to cut the cakes, mingle and take photos
Thanks to Dr. Shan Chandrasekar and Mrs. Jaya Chandrasekar of Asian Television Network for Media sponsorship.
We are also grateful to all those who sponsored tables.
21th Annual Canada Day Celebrations 2019
The 21st annual celebrations were held again in Toronto at the Woodbine Banquet & Convention Centre Hall, 30 Vice Regent Boulevard, on June 28, 2019.
APMC hosted a Canadian Citizenship Ceremony for the fourth time. It was held before the event. As in the past, 25 new citizens were invited to the dinner and were very happy about this special treat.
Consul General of U.S.A. - Mr. Greg Stanford and Mr. Ardeniz Sen of Turkey, Mr. Muhammad Junaid Head of Chancery for Pakistan attended from the Diplomatic Corps. Senator Victor Ho, MP Gagan Sikand from Mississuaga Streetsville and MPP Michael Parsa of Aurora Oak Ridges also attended.
Miss Yumna Siddiqui and Retired Chief Armand La Barge were the Masters of Ceremonies.
There were greetings from elected representatives, Heads of Police and Security Services and some prominent people.
US Independence Day was also celebrated and two cakes were cut for the two occasions.
We are also grateful to all those who sponsored tables.
22th Annual Canada Day Celebrations 2022
The 22ND annual celebrations were held again in Toronto at the Woodbine Banquet & Convention Centre Hall, 30 Vice Regent Boulevard, on June 30, 2022.
It was again a joint celebration of Canada Day and US Independence Day. At Midnight, Canada's National Anthem was played followed by the US National Anthem. Cakes were cut for both countries.
Ms. Yumna Siddiqi was the Master of Ceremonies and also welcomed the guests.
Hon. Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Government of Canada attended with two members of her staff. Ms. Susan Crystal, Consul General of USA attended along with Audrey Hsieh -Vice Consul - US Consulate Toronto and Diane Del Rosario, Public Affairs Officer - US Consulate Toronto. Ms. Dyah Lestari Asmarani, Consul General – Republic of Indonesia, Mr. Budi K-Supangat - Consul of Protocol and Mr. Syafruddin Marzuki - Consular - Indonesian Consulate Toronto. and Mr. Cihan Yalcinkaya - Religious Attaché - Turkish Consulate Toronto also attended.
Some other noteworthy guests were Isa Lee -Councillor City of Markham, Hon. Paul Chiang - MP Markham Unionville, Imam Faisal Abdur-Razak -APMC Advisor of Religious Affairs, Sandra Yeung Racco - Councillor City of Vaughan and her husband Mario Racco.
As Mayor Frank Scarpitti could not attend, he sent a video message.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of this year's award to the late Emily Ng who passed away in February 2022. She was remembered for her enthusiasm and involvement in all multi-cultural events especially the Taste of Asia Festival as she was the driving force behind it since its inception in 2003. She was remembered by MP Paul Chiang, Councilor Isa Lee, and Mansur Kanchwala.
Mobeen Khaja and Susan Crystal presented the APMC Canada Day 2022 Award for Emily Ng to Dr. Ken Ng, Virginia Ng, Dr. Gilbert Ng & Andrew Ng . APMC Board Members who attended were also on the stage for the presentation. Dr. Ken Ng thanked APMC for the honour given to Emily and his family.
The script on the award was that the award was presented to the late Emily Ng "IN GRATEFUL APPRECIATION FOR HER STRONG LEADERSHIP, UNWAVERING SUPPORT, AND DEDICATION TO THE ASSOCIATION OF PROGRESSIVE MUSLIMS OF CANADA. WE ARE BETTER BECAUSE OF HER EFFORTS."
A new feature this year was that Shazia Hassan, Imam Ibrahim Hussain, Nancy Siew reflected on "Being Canadian". Another interesting item was a Slide Show of Past APMC Canada Day Dinners prepared by Arsalan Syed.
We are also grateful to all those who sponsored tables.
PLATINUM TABLES
were sponsored by MR. ALI SIDDIQI & MRS. HUMA SIDDIQI. TD BANK GROUP, DAWOODI BOHRA JAMAAT OF CANADA, RBC WEALTH MANAGEMENT, FORTUNE METALS INC.
GOLD TABLES
were sponsored by PHONETEK INC. and ISLAMIC CENTRE OF MARKHAM.
SILVER TABLE
was sponsored by DR. DILKHUSH PANJWANI, O.ONT.
REGULAR TABLES
were sponsored by: MR. RIZWAN HASSAN AND FAMILY,CANADIAN ISLAMIC UNION, MR. SADRUDDIN USMAN AND MS. SARAH, USMAN, TRANSGLOBAL SYSTEMS OF CANADA, KAYANI LAW FIRM, MASJID DARUL IMAN, Markham, Ontario, MR. MAQSOOD KHAN, ICARE PHARMACY.
We also acknowledge and thank all our youth volunteers especially Ammar Sikander who worked hard to make this event a memorable one.
