One of Canada's most important strengths is diversity. Over the past years, Canada has received millions of immigrants. It has become a global village where all people can express their cultural and religious beliefs. Everyone here in Canada enjoys this complete freedom. The communities are all friendly and help each other adapt and integrate into the community of Winnipeg. 

The Ethnocultural Council of Manitoba - Stronger Together organized a dinner in Winnipeg for 22 communities as part of entertainment activities that varied between singing, dancing, and poetry. It aims to build strong relationships between local communities and create new communication networks that open the participants to an opportunity to find solutions and proposals for their challenges in Winnipeg. The event also included many members of the Canadian government and organizations that provide various services for the settlement and integration of immigrants to break the barriers between the immigrants and the organizations. So, they have an opportunity to talk and learn about the services they provide for them. 

This episode of "Civic Platform" features Perla Javate, Co-Chair of the Ethnocultural Council of Manitoba. Javate talked about the history of the Council and its role in helping immigrants, especially the youth, who look forward to a bright future in Winnipeg. We also spoke with several participants who emphasized the importance of their presence at this event and how they might reach their goals faster through it. 

Contact Zuher Almusre, our civic journalist, to share your story and explore civic issues at zuheralmusre@u-channel.ca. 

Stay tuned for more Civic discussions on Civic Platform. 

The project is funded by the Department of Canadian Heritage and administered by the Canadian Association of Community Television Users and Stations (CACTUS).