Thursday 26 June 2014

UPDATED: Toronto Caribbean Carnival - Media Preview for Junior Parade on July 2nd


90 kids in costume at Wednesday's launch, Rathika and Raymond too

The Junior Carnival Parade Moving Back to Malvern
Media Launch/Preview on July 2, 2014
TORONTO, ON - The media is invited to join Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival's CEO Denise Herrera-Jackson, local MPPs, city of Toronto councillors, Scotiabank representatives and members of the Caribbean Canadian community for the releasing of information about this year's RELOCATED Junior Carnival/Family Day. The colourful 11.30 am media preview will be held at the soon-to-be-opened Malvern Family Resource Centre (90 Littles Rd).
The Festival Management Committee, members of the Toronto Mas Band Association and The Organization of Calypso Performing Artistes will be releasing key information about this year's Children's Parade and Carnival. Starring in the media preview with be 90 children in costumes (with signed model releases) from nine mas camps and will be showing their new Mas dance moves for the first time! There will also be Junior Calypso singers, a dance group and steelpan performances.
For the past two years, the Parade and Family Day has been staged in Downsview Park. However, since this summer the roads and bridge that the children danced along are slated to be closed for reconstruction, the parade is coming to the Malvern community. On Saturday July 19th, over 1,500 children in Mas costume will be taking to the streets between Malvern and Neilson Park south of Finch and Neilson Road for the annual parade.
Who: 90 children in mas costumes.
Jr steel pan orchestra (OSA), Jr calypso singers (OCPA)
MC Calypso star - Dick Lochan
Spokespeople from the Junior Carnival Parade, An MP and a city councillor and Scotiabank will speak at the press launch.
SPEAKERS INCLUDE:  
MP Rathika Sitsabaiesan, Scarborough Rouge River Riding
Councillor Raymond Cho Ward 42 Scarborough-Rouge River
Scotiabank branch manager  Michael Lawrence 
CEO Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival Denise Herrera-Jackson
When: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Where: 90 Littles Road (east of Morningside Ave and Sewells Rd)
What: The children will hold a short parade along Littles Road into the new Malvern Family Resource Centre. Parking available
For more information about the programs and events, please visit the festival's official website at www.torontocaribbeancarnival.com. The Festival Office is located at 19 Waterman Avenue.
Contact info: Tel: 416-391-5608; Email: info@torontocaribbeancarnival.com.
About Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival
The Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival is an exciting three-week cultural explosion of Caribbean music, cuisine, and revelry as well as visual and performing arts. It has become a major international event and the largest cultural festival of its kind in North America. As Carnival is an international cultural phenomenon, the great metropolis of Toronto and its environs will come alive as the city explodes with the pulsating rhythms and melodies of Calypso, Soca, Reggae, Chutney, Steel Pan and Brass Bands. The Festival Management Committee oversees the running of North America's largest outdoor festival.
Corporate sponsors of this year's festival include: Scotiabank, OLG, The Toronto Star, CTV, CP-24, Virgin Radio, The Canadian Federal Government, The Province of Ontario, City of Toronto, Tourism Toronto, The Greater Toronto Airports Authority, the Ontario Science Centre, and the Liberty Grand.
About Scotiabank
Scotiabank is a leading financial services provider in over 55 countries and Canada's most international bank. Through Bright Future, our global philanthropic program, Scotiabank and its employees support causes at a grassroots level across six pillars: health, education, social services, arts and culture, environment and sports. Recognized as a leader for our charitable donations and philanthropic activities, Scotiabank has contributed on average some $50 million annually over the last five years to community causes around the world. Visit us atwww.scotiabank.com.

CONTACT INFORMATION

  • For media inquires:

    Stephen Weir Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival Publicist
    Phone 416-489-5868
    Cell: 416-801-3101
    Email: Stephen@stephenweir.com

    Diana HartScotiabank, Public, Corporate & Government Affairs
    Phone: 416-866-7238
    Cell: 647-821-3849
    Email: diana.hart@scotiabank.com

Saturday 21 June 2014

HUNGRY FOR CANADA DAY YET?



Canada Day Rotary Ribfest
A four day Festival of Food; Entertainment & Family Fun
L'Amoreaux Community Centre Grounds
2000 McNicoll Ave (Kennedy Rd & McNicoll)
OPEN DAILY 11AM-11PM

TORONTO, ON (Friday June 20, 2014) –The Rotary Clubs of Agincourt, North Scarborough, Scarborough Bluffs & Scarborough Twilight present the 5th annual Canada Day Rotary Ribfest filled with great food; Ribs; midway rides, merchandise booths and free entertainment.

Audiences are invited to come hungry & indulge with some mouth-watering ribs supplied by:

Ribs Royale Tennessee Fatbacks Brickyard BBQ Pistol Pete's BBQ Blazin BBQ Bad Wolfe Le Smoking BBQ 
ABOUT ROTARY
Rotary is an international service organization consisting of over 1,200,000 men and women, in more than 34,200 clubs in 200 countries and geographical regions.
Our goals are to promote peace and understanding in our community, our country, and throughout the world, by providing humanitarian aid to relieve hunger and sickness while improving literacy and self-sufficiency.
We invite you to “Have a great weekend, support our food and craft vendors, and enjoy our international entertainment, while helping us to assist all those who depend on us.” Join us and support the work of Rotary says Basil Dias, co chair of the committee.

Canada Day Rotary Ribfest – Highlights at a Glance:

            Karaoke for all ages – a three day competition with prizes 
            Midway Rides – come join the fun and games on-site for all ages 
            BBQ RIbbers – a line up of seven Ribbers ready for your taste buds 
            Kadara Capoeira Canada – witness the best in Afro-Brazilian Capoeira 
            Market Vendors – Include clothing & jewelry; 
            Food Vendors – from Beaver Tails to Roasted corn and Blooming Onions
We have you covered for the best food experience.
Full Event Listings MUSIC
Rock, Reggae, Country, Soca, Jazz, Blues, Neo-soul & More
Dean Visser Blues Band
Saturday, June 28, 2014 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Pinstripe Music
Saturday, June 28, 2014 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Muddy Whisky
Saturday, June 28, 2014 from 7:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Fuh Fun
Saturday, June 28, 2014 from 8:15 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Rachel Petrinec
Sunday, June 29, 2014 from 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Patty Fraser Band
Sunday, June 29, 2014 from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Impak
Sunday, June 29, 2014 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Santha Tsang
Sunday, June 29, 2014 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Diane Raeside
Sunday, June 29, 2014 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Triple Play
Sunday, June 29, 2014 from 8:15 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
2am Band
Monday, June 30, 2014 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Santha Tsang
Monday, June 30, 2014 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Ravi Sookhoo & N2
Monday, June 30, 2014 from 8:15 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Beagle Beach
Tuesday, July 1, 2014 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Back Track
Tuesday, July 1, 2014 from 5:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Gyles
Tuesday, July 1, 2014 from 8:15 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
MEDIA CONTACT
Sandra Whiting Office/Cell: 416-573-1375 info@sandrawhiting.ca
https://www.facebook.com/Canadadayribfest

Thursday 19 June 2014


The presentation of the first ever RBC Taylor Emerging Writer Award took place tonight during an evening of Aboriginal storytelling hosted by RBC Wealth Management and the RBC Taylor Prize.  The award was presented to author, academic, storyteller and Native Peoples activist Leanne Simpson Ph.D (second from left).  On stage with this year's winner is Vijay Parmar, President RBC PH&N Investment Counsel (left), RBC Taylor Prize winner Thomas King (second from right) and Prize founder Noreen Taylor (right). picture  by Weir
 
Leanne Simpson presented with inaugural RBC Taylor Emerging Writer Award
during a Native Peoples storytelling event at Toronto’s Harbourfront
 
The presentation of the first ever RBC Taylor Emerging Writer Award took place tonight during an evening of Aboriginal storytelling hosted by RBC Wealth Management and the RBC Taylor Prize.  RBC Wealth Management and Taylor Prize created the $10,000 award to promote emerging Canadian talent in non-fiction, as well as the opportunity to be mentored by the nominating RBC Taylor Prize winner. The award was presented to author, academic, storyteller and Native Peoples activist Leanne Simpson Ph.D. by Taylor Foundation Chair, Noreen Taylor. 
 
As this year’s RBC Taylor Prize winner, it was Thomas King’s role to choose the recipient of the RBC Taylor Emerging Writer Award. This was the first time that the two authors have shared a stage since he announced his selection.
 
“For me, Leanne Simpson was an obvious choice,” said Thomas King. “She is a gifted writer who brings passion and commitment to her storytelling and who has demonstrated an uncommon ability to manage an impressive range of genres from traditional story- telling to critical analysis, from poetry to the spoken word, from literary and social activism to song-writing. She is, in my opinion, one of the more articulate and engaged voices of her generation.”
 
“Thomas King is a gifted writer, performer, story-teller and one of my biggest influences,” said Dr.  Simpson. “His impact on my generation of Indigenous artists and writers is profound and I will be forever grateful to him for his brilliant body of work. His work lifts Indigenous peoples up, he makes us laugh out loud, and most importantly, he speaks our truths. With this award I can continue the work I started in Dancing on Our Turtle’s Back, and along with many others, move towards creating a just relationship between Indigenous nations and Canada.”
 
Leanne Simpson holds a Ph.D. from the University of Manitoba and is an instructor at the Centre for World Indigenous Knowledge, Athabasca University. She has published over thirty scholarly articles and authored five books that draw upon her extensive knowledge of Indigenous Peoples. She has also written articles for Canadian magazines and newspapers. In 2012 she won Briarpatch Magazine’s Writing from the Margins competition for short fiction.
 
Ms. Simpson is a member of the Alderville First Nation (Rice Lake, Ontario). For the past 15 years, she has worked with Indigenous communities and organizations in Canada and internationally on environmental, governance and political issues. Her third book, Dancing On Our Turtle’s Back (AK Press) stresses the importance of illuminating indigenous intellectual traditions in order to transfer that relationship to the Canadian state.
 
Thomas King is a novelist, short-story writer, nonfiction author, screenwriter, and photographer. He was born in the US, the son of a Greek mother and a Cherokee father. Before immigrating to Canada, Thomas King worked as an administrator and teacher at Humboldt State University and the University of Utah (PhD 1986). He accepted a position in Native Studies at the University of Lethbridge and soon began writing serious fiction. Often described as one of the finest contemporary Native America writers, two of King’s books have been nominated for Governor General’s Awards. In 2003, King was the first Native Canadian to deliver the Massey Lectures. The author currently teaches English and Theatre Studies at the University of Guelph.
 
“One writer’s admiration for another is an age-old tradition, and one that the RBC Taylor Emerging Writers Award is formalizing, “explained Noreen Taylor, “This new award brings together writers who have had an appreciation of each other’s work and, with its mentoring element, helps forge stronger bonds between the authors. Thomas King has found Leanne to have one of the more gifted and engaging voices of her generation.  Meanwhile, Leanne has credited Tom with being a major influence in her writing.  I know that, as readers, we will reap the greatest reward.”
 
“On behalf of RBC, we congratulate Leanne Simpson for winning this prestigious award,” said Vijay Parmar, President RBC PH&N Investment Counsel. “RBC is deeply committed to supporting emerging writers, such as Leanne, and their passion for literary excellence in Canada.  We are thrilled that, through the new RBC Taylor Emerging Writer Award, we will be able to help cultivate the talents of the next generation of writers in Canada by providing both financial and professional development opportunities to hone their craft.”
 
The RBC Taylor Emerging Writer Award was established to provide recognition and assistance to a Canadian published author who is working on a significant writing project, preferably but not limited to literary non-fiction. Through mentorship from the nominating author, and the cash award, it is intended that the writer will be able to progress toward the creation of a first draft.
 
About RBC Wealth Management
 
RBC Wealth Management is one of the world’s top 10 largest wealth managers*. RBC Wealth Management directly serves affluent, high-net-worth and ultra-high net worth clients in Canada, the United States, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia with a full suite of banking, investment, trust and other wealth management solutions. The business also provides asset management products and services directly and through RBC and third party distributors to institutional and individual clients, through its RBC Global Asset Management business (which includes BlueBay Asset Management). RBC Wealth Management has more than C$690 billion of assets under administration, more than C$426 billion of assets under management and approximately 4,400 financial consultants, advisors, private bankers, and trust officers. For more information, please visit www.rbcwealthmanagement.com
 
 
About RBC
 
Royal Bank of Canada is Canada’s largest bank, and one of the largest banks in the world, based on market capitalization. We are one of North America’s leading diversified financial services companies, and provide personal and commercial banking, wealth management services, insurance, investor services and capital markets products and services on a global basis. We employ approximately 79,000 full- and part-time employees who serve more than 16 million personal, business, public sector and institutional clients through offices in Canada, the U.S. and 42 other countries. For more information, please visit rbc.com.
 
Leanne Simpson
RBC supports a broad range of community initiatives through donations, sponsorships and employee volunteer activities. In 2013, we contributed more than $104 million to causes worldwide, including donations and community investments of more than $69 million and $35 million in sponsorships. Learn more at www.rbc.com/community-sustainability.
 
*Scorpio Partnership Global Private Banking KPI Benchmark 2013. In the United States, securities are offered through RBC Wealth Management, a division of RBC Capital Markets, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Royal Bank of Canada. Member NYSE/FINRA/SIPC.
 
About the RBC Taylor Prize
 
The RBC Taylor Prize was founded to commemorate the life of the late Charles Taylor, one of Canada’s foremost essayists and a prominent member of the Canadian literary community. Charles Taylor was a foreign correspondent with The Globe and Mail and the author of four books: Radical Tories; Reporter in Red China; Six Journeys: A Canadian Pattern; and Snow Job.
 
The Trustees of the Charles Taylor Prize Foundation are Michael Bradley (Toronto), David Staines (Ottawa), and Noreen Taylor (Toronto). The Foundation gratefully acknowledges the support of RBC Wealth Management as its presenting sponsor; along with its major sponsor Metropia; and greatly appreciates the support of its media sponsors The Globe and Mail; Maclean’s magazine, CNW Group; The Huffington Post Canada and Quill & Quire magazine; and in-kind sponsors: Authors at Harbourfront Centre, Ben McNally Books, Event Source and The Omni King Edward Hotel.
 
For further information please visit: www.thecharlestaylorprize.ca Facebook: www.facebook.com/RBCTaylorPrize | Follow us on Twitter: @taylorprize

George Socka posted a video about Leanne Simpson receiving the RBC Taylor Prize Emerging Authors Award from Tom King