Professional Development

2005 National Host Conference

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[ Section 4 ]
20th Anniversary Celebration Dinner

The purpose of the evening was to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Host Program, pay tribute to the people who make the Host Program work and finally, celebrate the successes of the program.

The program included:

6:00 - 6:25 Informal Gathering
6:30 - 6:50 Opening
6:50 - 7:50 Dinner
7:50 - 8:30 Presentation of Certificates of Appreciation
8:35 - 8:55 Piano Recital
8:55 - 9:00 Closing

Patricia Birkett, the Acting Director General of Integration Branch, Citizenship and Immigration Canada, was the Master of Ceremony and welcomed all delegates after a day of thought provoking Day 1. The evening included a speech by the Deputy Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Canada, Janice Charette, a presentation of‘Certificates of Appreciation' by the Deputy Minister to Host service provider organizations, and a piano recital by a “matched” Host volunteer and newcomer, Taraneh Keyhan and Tania Maalouf.

Summary of Deputy Minister Janice Charette's address:

Origins:

The Host Program's roots go back to the early 1980s. Refugees from around the world were looking for peace and a new place to call home. Something needed to be done to help these newcomers feel at home in their new surroundings. Something beyond providing the bare necessities of life. The Host Program was born in 1985. It started small, as many good initiatives do, but soon spread across the country, and by 1991 it was established as a fully funded program.

The present:

Twenty years later, the program is a success. The people the program has helped over the years have gone on to do great things in our country. Many of them have become business leaders. They have raised their families here, worked hard and contributed to their communities. For them, Canada became more than a safe place to rest - it became their home. By pairing volunteers with newcomers, the Host Program recognizes them as individuals, and gives them the kind of special attention and help that a trusted friend would provide. What higher expression of humanity and civilization is there than making a guest feel welcome in one's home?

What does the future hold?

Canada will continue to welcome newcomers with open arms. They are vital to Canada's survival. The country needs their energy, their talents, and the contribution they make to Canada's multicultural heritage. Once they arrive, they need help to become part of Canadian society.

“If you are a Host volunteer, continue the work you are doing. You are truly the unsung heroes of your communities. If you are an agency representative - whether a front-line worker or an executive director - continue helping newcomers. And if you are a newcomer, the hope is that the Host Program helped you feel welcome in your new home.”

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