Multicultural Forum
The Multicultural Forum: Fostering Unity and Dialogue
Established in 2015, the Multicultural Forum is a premier annual event dedicated to cultural exchange and youth empowerment within the Greater Toronto Areas. The Forum is hosted every year serving as a vital platform for youth aged 15 and up, as well as the general public, to engage in meaningful dialogue regarding the shared experiences that define life in Canada’s “Queen City.” The event features a distinguished panel of experts who provide valuable insights into the social, economic and cultural topics that shape our collective identity.
Our Mission and Impact
The Forum’s core objective is to promote integration by encouraging communities to explore and understand one another’s unique realities through immersive cultural expositions. Beyond celebration, the Forum addresses systemic challenges by facilitating communication across diverse backgrounds to overcome linguistic barriers, creating pathways for youth to reach their full potential, and bridging the gap between established residents and newcomers. By focusing on these critical areas, the Forum ensures that every participant has the tools necessary to thrive within the diverse landscape of the Greater Toronto Areas.
Honouring Leadership and Excellence
A hallmark of the event is our commitment to recognizing those who champion inclusivity through the presentation of the prestigious Integration Award. This honor is bestowed upon outstanding Canadians who have demonstrated a tireless commitment to fostering the inclusion of minority groups and helping newcomer youth overcome barriers to success. By highlighting these role models, the Forum inspires the next generation to take an active role in building a more equitable and welcoming society for all residents of the Greater Toronto Areas.
A Celebration of the Canadian Fabric
The Multicultural Forum is a testament to the fact that diversity is the very fabric of the country we are proud to call Home. Each year, the event concludes with a Cocktail Gala featuring performances by talented local musicians, serving as a celebration of the creative energy and spirit of unity that thrives within the Greater Toronto Areas. This gathering provides a final opportunity for attendees to network and celebrate the progress made toward a more integrated and harmonious community.
7TH ANNUAL MULTICULTURAL FORUM & INTEGRATION AWARD: DECEMBER 20TH, 2025
Topics: Communities Resilient – Held in commemoration of the International Decade for People of African Descent that spans from 2015-2028 with a focus on Francophone immigrants.
Keynote Speakers:
- Mr. Antoine Derose , Educator, Community builder, Consultant and professional for mental Health
- Me. Estelle L. Policard, Founder & CEO of Divel ConeXion Inc
- Mr. Amikley Fontaine , President & CEO of Foundation SLindor
Communities Resilient Panel:
- Dr. Eric A. Pierre, Honorary consul of Haiti in Toronto, Founder of Pierspective Entraide
- Dr. Rosemary Sadlier Oont , President Black Canadian Network
- Dr. Luc Amoussou, Vice- président de l’Assemblée de la Francophonie de l’Ontario
Host:
- Emmanuel Bois , Journalist
Laureate of the 2025 Integration Award
- Mr. Antoine Dérose, Educator, Community builder, Consultant and professional for mental Health
Sincere Recognition of Our Valued Supporters
This year marks the 7th anniversary of hosting the Multicultural Forum since the first launch in 2015. The Foundation expressed its deep gratitude through a special ceremony, presenting Recognition Baskets to seven dedicated supporters. This symbolic gesture honored their loyalty and unwavering commitment since the Foundation’s inception, highlighting the vital role of community volunteering and philanthropy.
6th Annual Multicultural Forum: December 14th, 2024
Topics: Communities Resilient – Held in commemoration of the International Decade for People of African Descent that spans from 2015-2024.
Keynote Speakers:
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Dr Rosemary Sadlier Oont
Communities Resilient Panel:
- Christian Petit- Frere, J.D; L.L.L; Regulatory Lawyer
- Officer DAN Luff , Neighborhood Officer- Toronto police 12 Division
- Martine Micourt , CEO of Bethel Living Care
Moderators / Facilitator:
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Amikley Fontaine , President & CEO
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Emmanuel Bois , Journalist
5th Annual Multicultural Forum: December 16th, 2023
Topics: Canada Inclusive: Let’s move forward together
Special message from Hon. Kirsty Duncan, LIB M.P. for Etobicoke North
Special message from The Hon. Pierre Poilievre, P.C., M.P.
Keynote Speakers:
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The Honourable Ahmed Hussen | Minister of International Development- York South—Weston
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The Honourable Kamal Khera |Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities – Represents the riding of Brampton West
Multicultural Women’s Voice Panel Speakers:
- Dr. Rosemary Sadlier Oont
- Serge Paul
- Dr. Jeanne Fortilus
Moderators / Facilitator:
- Martine Cephora Micourt
Integration Award recipients of 2023
- Dr. Rosemary Sadlier Oont
- Serge Paul
4th Annual Multicultural Forum: August 18th, 2018
Topics: Canadian Democratic Values & Global Migration
Special message from Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau
R.H Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Keynote Speakers:
- Hon. Kirsty Duncan, MP for North Etobicoke
- Hon. Bill Blair, MP of Scarborough Southwest.
- Hon. Garnett Genuiss, MP for Sherwood Park – Fort Saskatchewan
- Hon. Aris Babikian, MPP for Scarborough-Agincourt
- Hon. Jim Karayiannis, City for Scarborough-Agincourt
- Mrs. Marie-Jennyne Mayard, Founder & CEO of FKZO
Multicultural Forum Debate Speakers:
- Dr.Mark Martin, Specialist in resettlement & Social Justice Advocate
- Dr.Robyn Maynard- Author & Community Activist
- Mr. Eldon Holder – Chairman of the Young Leaders Advisory Council
Moderators:
- Mrs. Teshini Harrison, Policy Development Officer
- Mr. Rony Desir, Coordinator Maison d’Haiti
Integration Award Recipients of 2018
- Hon. Kirsty Duncan – MP for North Etobicoke Hon.
- Hon. Jim Karygiannis – City Councillor of Scarborough South West
- Mrs. Marie-Jennyne Mayard – Founder & CEO of FKZO Ontario
Third Annual Multicultural Forum: August 22, 2017
Topics: Canadian Identity & Integration
Keynote Speakers:
- Hon. Shafiq Qaadri, MPP for Etobicoke North
- Mr. André Venor, Director of Operation of FSLINDOR
- Mr. Fougere Adolphe, President of Maison d’Haiti Toronto
Multicultural Forum Debate Speakers:
- Mr. Junior Mandoko, Jurist & Author
- Mr. Jean-Marie Vianney, Journalist & Community Advocate
- Mrs. Samantha Mafood, Executive Director of Food for the Food of Canada
- Mr. Rony Desir, Coordinator of Maison d’Haiti
Moderators:
- Amikley Fontaine, President & CEO of FSLindor
Integration Award Recipients of 2017:
- Rony Desir -Coordinator of Maison d’Haiti of Toronto
- Emmanuelle Desmoulin -Executive Director of Haitian Community United of Ontario
Second Annual Multicultural Forum: August 24th, 2016
Topics: Diversity, Climate Change & Youth Leadership
Keynote Speakers:
- Hon.Kirsty Duncan, MP for North Etobicoke
- Mr. Christopher Sullivan, Vice-President of FSLINDOR
- Mrs. Chrystal Smith, Director of Communications of FSLINDOR
Multicultural Forum Debate Speakers:
- Dr. Pierre Eric Mani, PhD in Economics & Consultant
- Mr. Serge Paul, Executive Director of ACFO Toronto
- Mrs. Marie Fontin, School Trustee of Toronto
- Dr. Marc Lesage, Sociologist & Associate prof of York University
- Dr. Eric A. Pierre, Founder of PEH & Honorary Consul of Haiti in Toronto
Moderator:
- Mr. Amikley Fontaine, CEO of FSLINDOR
Integration Award Recipients of 2016:
- Jean Jean Roosvelt
- Glendon African Network
First Annual Multicultural Forum: August 22, 2015
Topics: Civic Rights & Civic Engagement
Keynote Speakers:
- Hon. Kirsty Duncan, MP for North Etobicoke
- Hon. Micheal Ford – City Councillor for Etobicoke North
- Hon.Shafiq Quadri, MPP for Etobicoke North
Multicultural Forum Debate Speakers:
- Mrs. Marlene Thelusma Remy, Author, Professor & CEO of Kay Creole
- Mrs. Rosecathy Handy, Author CEO of Canada Women Watch
- Mr. Jean Marie Vianney, Executive Director of Coalition Francophone Noir de l’Ontario
Moderator:
- Mr. Emmanuel Bois, Journalist
Integration Award Recipients of 2015
2021 Recognition AWARDS
Recognition Awards
Another significant achievement this year was the presentation of awards to our valued Board Members for their years of hard volunteer work and dedication. These individuals have dedicated their time and energy to making an impact, helping others, and making a difference in the lives of many young people. The Sylvenie Lindor Foundation’s team has always felt like a family, and it was an honour to recognize team members who have gone above and beyond. The award recipients graciously accepted their awards and spoke about their experiences and how working for the Foundation has impacted their lives. We were able to express our gratitude to the Sylvenie Lindor Foundation team members who helped make the Foundation what it is today with these awards.
