Multicultural Forum
The Multicultural Forum is an annual Cultural Exchange and Dialogue for youths aged 15 and up, as well as the general public in the Greater Toronto Area, on a variety of important topics that define our lives as members of Canadian society. The Forum, which aims to promote integration in a culturally diverse context, assists each community in exploring the reality of the other. The theme changes each year. Throughout the Multicultural Forum, each community presents a specific aspect of their culture, allowing for exchanges through exposition.
The Forum, which began in 2015, is held annually on the third weekend of August as a meaningful way to foster interaction among youth from various communities throughout the Greater Toronto Areas. The Foundation addressed issues such as linguistic barriers and a lack of opportunity that limit young people’s ability to reach their full potential in the community. Throughout the Multicultural Forum, the Foundation recognizes Leaders who help Newcomer Youth to overcome barriers to better integrate into the Queen City.
Having said that, the Forum has been a huge success in bringing together young people from across the GTA around a table to discuss issues that have captivated our lives in Toronto over the last few years. Typically, the Forum is followed by a cocktail gala featuring local musicians.
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
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.
