Top Talents 2013 Greetings from the Honourable Jason Kenney, PC, MP

Greetings from the Honourable Jason Kenney, PC, MP

Minister for Multiculturalism

Ministre du Multiculturalisme

I am pleased to extend my warmest greetings to all those attending the Canadian Tamil Youth Alliance (CTYA)’s Top Talents Awards Gala.

The CTYA is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping Canada’s Tamil youth excel and become productive, successful members of our society. This event, now in its fourth year, is held annually to honour their accomplishments and provide them with the support and encouragement they need to achieve their goals.

Our pluralistic society has become a success story, due, in large part, to the hard work and dedication of organizations such as the CTYA, who bring together communities and foster a spirit of friendship among all Canadians. As Prime Minister Stephen Harper stated: “Canadians can be proud to live in a society where we can celebrate our tremendous diversity while, at the same time, always taking pride in our country’s unique heritage.”

As Minister for Multiculturalism, I would like to thank the Canadian Tamil Youth Alliance for hosting this important event, and I offer my congratulations to all of the award recipients.

Best wishes for a successful event.

Sincerely,

The Hon. Jason Kenney, PC, MP

Minister of Employment and Social Development and

Minister for Multiculturalism

A Personal Message from MP Michael Chan for Top Talents 2013

A PERSONAL MESSAGE FROM MICHAEL CHAN

December 2013

As the Member of Provincial Parliament for Markham-Unionville, I would like to take this opportunity to extend warm greetings to everyone in attendance on the occasion of the Canadian Tamil Youth Alliance (CTYA) 4th Annual Top Talents Awards Gala and Dinner to be held on December 28th.

Ontarians work hard to create a welcoming and inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to participate, contribute and achieve their goals. These values are an important feature of your organization’s mission to support our youth and annually showcase their achievements in the arts, academics and athletics.

I commend the CTYA for your positive contributions to the community and for sharing our government’s vision that we are all part of One Ontario, working together to build a strong, prosperous and vibrant province.

I extend my sincere congratulations to the award recipients and very best wishes for a memorable evening of celebration!

Yours truly,

Michael Chan, M.P.P.

Markham–Unionville

Youth Icons – Thaves Ponnampalam!

Thaves is a young entrepreneur who started a business to help ease the ordering experience for customers at restaurants. Through Menyou, Thaves and his team strive to make the restaurant experience more enriching by diminishing the disconnect that often exists between restaurant owners and customers. Thaves serves as an example of how new ideas can be implemented if one believes in them enough to apply their learning and knowledge. For his innovative idea and his firm belief in making a difference through application, Thaves will be recognized as a Youth Icon CTYA’s Top Talents Awards Gala.

Wishes from Wladyslaw Lizon, MP for Top Talents 2013!

Wladyslaw Lizon, MP

Mississauga East-Cooksville

December 28th, 2013

As the Member of Parliament for Mississauga East-Cooksville and on behalf of the Government of Canada, I am pleased to extend greetings to the Canadian Tamil Youth Alliance on the occasion of your Annual Awards Gala and Dinner.

I would also like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all nominees and award recipients as part of your Top Talents Awards where you recognize the efforts of young people in the areas of Arts, Academics, Athletics and Achievement.

Please accept my best wishes as you continue with your noble vision to empower youth to become leaders in society.

Congratulations from Councillor Joe Mihevc!

Councillor Joe Mihevc Toronto City Hall St. Paul’s West Ward 21

Toronto City Hall 100 Queen Street West Toronto, Ontario M5H 2N2 Telephone: (416) 392-0208 Fax: (416) 392-7466 Community Office 747 St. Clair Ave. Toronto, Ontario M6C 4C4 Telephone: (416) 392-7460 Fax: (416) 392-7459 E-Mail: councillor_mihevc@toronto.ca Home Page: www.joemihevc.com

December 10, 2013

Dear Members of the Canadian Tamil Youth Alliance,

I would like to offer my heartfelt congratulations to the Canadian Tamil Youth Alliance in organizing your Top Talents Awards Gala. I would like to recognize your important contribution to the Tamil community in providing important encouragement to Tamil youth in Canada by empowering them to become leaders. Undoubtedly your programs and support enable youth to become leaders in today’s society and give them the skills and tools that they need to succeed.

As the City Councillor of Ward 21 St. Paul’s West, and as a friend to the Tamil community, I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and express my gratitude to the staff and team of volunteers whose devotion, skills and efforts have made the organization the inspiration and success that it is. Together you are building an empowered and healthy community and city.

Once again, congratulations on this exciting event, the Top Talents Awards Gala 2013. Together with the community of Ward 21, we honor the Canadian Tamil Youth Alliance and commend your tremendous accomplishments.

Sincerely

Councillor Joe Mihevc

Ward 21, St. Paul’s West

Youth Icons – Abirami Shanmugaratnam!

Abirami is an athlete who excels in a wide variety of sports. Her outstanding skill in Track and Field comes from her high level of commitment. She placed first in many Track and Field competitions and her leadership skills are admirable. She also plays other sports such as rugby and soccer. Abirami is also dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles through volunteer work. For her commitment to sports and active living, Abirami Shanmugaratnam will be recognized at CTYA’s Top Talents Awards Gala. As a Canadian Tamil female within the sports arena, she serves as a role model for many youth.

Youth Icons – Shelly Antony!

Shelly Antony will be recognized as a Youth Icon at CTYA’s 4th Annual Top Talents Awards Gala & Dinner. Shelly Antony is an actor in the well-recognized Canadian Tamil film titled ‘A Gun & A Ring,’ written and directed by Lenin M. Sivam. Shelly Antony has a passion for film and acting and is determined to pursue his dream. His perseverance and passion for the field of Acting and Film is one that is encouraging to many Canadian Tamil youth who also have similar interests and talents.

Wishes and congratulations from MPP Jagmeet Singh!

Dear Canadian Tamil Youth Alliance,

As the Member of Provincial Parliament for Bramalea-Gore-Malton, it is with great pleasure that I extend my sincere congratulations to all those recognizing the talents of young Tamil youth for their accomplishments in the Arts, Academics, Athletics and Achievements.

I applaud the Canadian Tamil Youth Alliance for providing various tools and resources to foster a growing community of young leaders; the leaders of our future. The Canadian Tamil Youth Alliance has been a phenomenal force in empowering and motivating youth to become involved in their communities and to share their beautiful culture.

I would like to recognize the donors for your generosity and your support of the endeavors of Tamil youth. I would also like to recognize the volunteers and event planners for all of their time and efforts in making the event a success.

I am looking forward to seeing the youth of today become our leaders of tomorrow. Warm wishes and congratulations,

Jagmeet Singh, MPP Bramalea-Gore-Malton

Greetings from Dr.Helena Jaczek, MPP (Oak Ridges-Markham) for Top Talents 2013

Dear Friends,

On behalf of the Government of Ontario, it is an honour to welcome you to the Top Talents Awards Gala as hosted by the Canadian Tamil Youth Alliance.

This event brings together remarkable young people from around our community and provides a great occasion to recognize their hard work and their many accomplishments while enjoying a wonderful evening.

I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the many individuals who help to make this event a reality, to the commitment and hard work of the Canadian Tamil Youth Alliance, their organizers and volunteers, who all work tirelessly to ensure a successful evening.

Sincerely,

Dr. Helena Jaczek, MPP

Oak Ridges-Markham