Happy 144th Canada Day!

Canada Day is an official federal statutory holiday, and it is celebrated widely throughout all of Canada as a celebration of the nation. Canada is a great country that has become a safe home for many Tamil immigrants fleeing persecution in Sri-Lanka and second-generation Tamils. Many Tamil youth have become exceptional leaders in Canada, and have contributed greatly to the development of Canadian business, arts, academia, and culture. Today is a day to celebrate not only the anniversary of the creation of a nation, but the development of that nation through its peope.On behalf of the Canadian Tamil Youth Alliance, we wish you and your families a very Happy Canada Day!

In Memory of Const. Garrett Styles

York Regional Police officer, Const. Garrett Styles Styles died tragically after being struck by a vehicle and trapped underneath it on Tuesday, June 28, 2011. On behalf of CTYA’s Blog Team, we would like to take this time to remember Const. Garrett Styles Styles and his work towards the safety of Torontonians. We wish his loved ones strength and courage during this difficult time, and offer our deepest condolences.

Thaalam 2011 – Congratulations and best wishes from Mayor Susan Fennell

The arts are one of the most democratic expressions in our society, often enabling artists to communicate powerful emotions and themes to their audience. As an art form, dance draws both the artist and the audience into the act of expression, and crosses all cultures and ages.

Thaalam 2011: A Night of Excitement, Fun , Music and Dance

Each of the six teams who participated put on a great show, and they all worked extremely hard on their dance routine, costumes, and props. They were all supported by energetic cheer squads who showed pride in their teams. The excitement and dedication the dancers shared for dance was clearly visible. Many of the youth also celebrated their Tamil identity, and incorporated elements of the Tamileelam, Tamil culture and heritage in their performances with great pride.

Thaalam 2011 – Congratulations wishes from Rosario Marchese (MPP, Trinity-Spadina)

Arts and culture are an important part of our city. The Thaalam Dance competition not only brings together Tamil youth from across the province, but also celebrates the contribution of the Tamil language and heritage within our neighbourhoods. It also continues the work of the Canadian Tamil Youth Alliance, ensuring the promotion of Tamil culture through arts, education, athletics and advocacy.

Thaalam 2011 – Wishes from Mayor Dave Ryan and Pickering Members of Council

As the gateway city to the east GTA, the City of Pickering is committed to supporting and advancing our arts and cultural landscape. I commend the Canadian Tamil Youth Alliance for helping us meet this objective by successfully coordinating this wonderful event for all to enjoy.

Thaalam 2011 – Greetings from Andrea Horwath, MPP (Hamilton Centre – NDP Leader)

CTYA is not only showing leadership, you are cultivating leadership through events such as this. I am consistently impressed by the fine qualities exemplified in Tamil youth. I see young Tamils as keenly engaged in community activities, extremely bright and focused, polite and hardworking, well organized, studious and passionately involved in issues that concern and affect them.

Thaalam 2011 – Best wishes from Frank Klees, MPP (Newmarket-Aurora)

I take this opportunity to acknowledge the ongoing work of the Canadian Tamil Youth Alliance for all that you do to maintain the tempo and rhythm of Tamil cultural continuity within the Canadian mosaic, especially through such meaningful events that highlight your Community’s rich and vibrant heritage.