FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Toronto, ON — To celebrate Newcomer Day in Toronto, the Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC) is pleased to celebrate its partnerships with some of the Toronto’s most iconic institutions. Through its Canoo Access Pass, today, and year-round, all members of the ICC’s Canoo app are eligible for one year of free admissions to the Toronto Zoo, Little Canada, and have access to free memberships with the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), alongside benefits with hundreds of other experiences across Canada.

Through their longstanding commitment to welcoming newcomers, the Toronto Zoo, Little Canada and TIFF are championing the road to breaking barriers and creating positive experiences for newcomers in their new homes.

“While immigration levels continue grow, there is mounting evidence that immigrants are leaving Canada in greater numbers too, posing an existential threat to our shared prosperity,” said Daniel Bernhard, Chief Executive Officer for the ICC. “Toronto has always been a proud destination for newcomers to Canada and leading institutions like Little Canada, the Toronto Zoo and TIFF are stepping up on behalf of Torontonians by joining the Canoo Access Pass. They make true that Toronto, with its challenges, is one of the best newcomer cities in the world where they can feel valued, plant roots, and contribute to our shared success for generations to come.”

First proclaimed in 2015, Toronto Newcomer Day is an annual event held in May that welcomes newcomers to Toronto celebrating their contributions to the city.

“Little Canada was born from my dream, as a newcomer, to showcase and celebrate all that Canada offers in miniature scale. It’s a place where Canadians can share their stories and love for Canada,” says Jean-Louis Brenninkmeijer, Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of Little Canada. “We are thrilled to participate in the Canoo Access Pass, and we encourage everyone to come visit us in downtown Toronto.”

“Your Toronto Zoo’s mission is to connect people, animals and conservation science to fight extinction and our vision is a world where wildlife and wild spaces thrive, said Dolf DeJong, CEO of Toronto Zoo. “As an iconic tourist attraction and wildlife conservation organization we are very proud to partner with CANOO and to celebrate Newcomer Day in Toronto. We look forward to welcoming Canadian newcomers to our Zoo to learn more about saving and protecting species locally and globally.”

Canoo’s growing welcome partner network in Toronto and in Canada, ensures that Torontonian newcomers and their families have access to the country’s most impressive cultural attractions, iconic festivals, as well as sought after destinations so that they can thrive in their new home.

“At TIFF, we’re committed to increasing representation, celebrating diverse creative communities, and expanding access to the arts, while creating a welcoming cultural hub for new audiences,” said Robyn Citizen, Director of Festival Programming and Cinematheque at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Since 2010, Canoo has welcomed over 500,000 newcomer members. All recent permanent residents and new citizens can join Canoo by downloading its app for free.  

About

The Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC) works to unlock Canada for newcomers, facilitating and encouraging the journey towards full and active Canadian citizenship. The ICC is an independent charity, co-founded in 2006 by the Rt. Hon. Adrienne Clarkson and John Ralston Saul.

Media Contact

Brooke Timpson
403.605.2282
media@inclusion.ca