Posts Tagged ‘News’


A statement from Ontario PC Leader Tim Hudak on Annual Tamil Memorial Week

By Admin - May 17th, 2014

A statement from Ontario PC Leader Tim Hudak on Annual Tamil Memorial Week

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 18, 2014

A statement from Ontario PC Leader Tim Hudak on Annual Tamil Memorial Week:

“Today marks the 5th anniversary of the end of decades-long civil war in Sri Lanka that cost tens of thousands of lives and dramatically impacted the lives of Ontario’s Tamil-Canadian community.

“This annual memorial week is vital to ensuring we never forget the innocent civilians killed during that war. It also gives us the opportunity to once again demand justice for those who died, for the families still living in that country, and for those who fled abroad.

“As Leader of the Ontario PC Party, I again stand with Prime Minister Stephen Harper in calling for accountability from the Sri Lankan government.

“It was a proud moment for our party earlier this year when, thanks to the hard work of my caucus colleague, Todd Smith (Prince Edward-Hastings) the Ontario Legislature passed an Ontario PC bill to forever mark January as Tamil Heritage Month.

“I am proud to have two distinguished members of the Tamil community running as Ontario
PC candidates in the June 12 election, Ken Kirupa of Scarborough-Guildwood and Shan
Thayaparan of Markham-Unionville. Both are successful businessmen and leaders as well as strong advocates for accountability and justice.

“Once again, I would like to extend my support for the Canadian Tamil community, especially
those who chose Ontario as their home, as you observe this solemn occasion.”

Sincerely,
Tim Hudak
Leader

Ontario PCs



The 4th Annual Tree Planting: In Memory of Black July 1983 to Mullivaikal on May 18, 2009

By Admin - May 9th, 2014

The 4th Annual Tree Planting: In Memory of Black July 1983 to Mullivaikal on May 18, 2009

On Sunday May 11th 2014, Member of Provincial Parliament for Toronto Centre, Minister Glen Murray will host the forth annual tree planting session to remember the victims of the Tamil genocide. On July 23rd 2011, Minister Glen Murray planted a Canadian maple tree alongside a memorial stone at the Evergreen tree plantation site in Toronto to mark the twenty eighth year since the July 1983 massacre of Tamil civilians in Sri Lanka. Through this plantation, Murray showed his solidarity with the Tamil community in its grievances of lost lives. The trees will promote an environmentally friendly atmosphere in Canada while serving as a monumental reminder of the Tamil genocide.



TYO Canada Presents 3rd Annual Ilanthalir Show

By Admin - May 6th, 2014

TYO Canada Presents 3rd Annual Ilanthalir Show

Written By: TYO- Canada

On Saturday May 10th, 2014, Tamil Youth Organization – Canada will be hosting its 3rd Annual Ilanthalir show. Ilanthalir translates to “young sprouts” and through this theatrical performance; the artists will lead the audience through a story illustrating the vision of Tamileelam.

Ilanthalir enables Canadian Tamil youth to pursue the art of storytelling through the performing arts. By upholding our Tamil identity, these youth are determined to bring you a captivating performance that is sure to awaken and revitalize your inner consciences.

Through this show, our youth will exhilarate your minds and bring you beauty that has never been seen before. While we may be miles away from our homeland, these youth will walk you through history and remind you that our purpose is beyond ours alone. The beauty of Tamileelam will surface before your eyes and revive thoughts that we often forget we have. The love for identity, culture, language, dance, and homeland will be reawakened by our very own youth. Let them teach and remind you about our precious background, and about our destined future.

“For the dead and the living, we must bear witness.”

– Elie Wiesel

The genocide that has been perpetrated on the people of Tamileelam is one that is apparent as night and day. Its occurrence is real, and cannot be veiled. Throughout our history, we have seen continuous genocidal tactics employed against the indigenous Tamil people of the island, and we need to bring this to light. While the Sri Lankan government may assume that it is eliminating the future children of Tamileelam by coercing contraceptive methods on women of Tamileelam, through Ilanthalir, you will see that passion and determination know no boundaries. The government may try to resettle people on our land, but no amount of cover-ups can prevent the truth from leaking out. Love for identity and culture does not end within state borders, just as identity cannot be erased without consent. Our youth are determined to show you that genocide is preventable, and that we cannot allow genocide denial to take place.

Through Ilanthalir, Canadian Tamil youth will not only revisit the grace of our homeland, but through their artistic performance, they will also give you faith in justice. While we may no longer have the same rich library to share our stories, we do have the voices of our youth to articulate the rich culture of our homeland.

Come out on May 10th and let Canadian Tamil Youth reawaken your inner consciences. Watch this artistic revolution that is sure to make you feel proud of our ethnic essence. Let our youth elevate your experience of Tamileelam through bold performances, dance, music, and ethnic storytelling.

Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/765113550166060/



Media Release: Canada Suspends Voluntary Commonwealth Funds

April 14th, 2014

April 14, 2014 –

Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today announced that Canada will suspend its voluntary contribution to the Commonwealth Secretariat and reallocate the funds for the next two years.

“As host of the 2013 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting and current Chair in Office, Sri Lanka has a duty to take meaningful action on human rights, political reconciliation and accountability. However, Sri Lanka has failed to realize progress on any of these issues,” said Baird. “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Canada took a strong and principled stand in not attending the 2013 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Colombo, and today’s announcement is an extension of that leadership.

“As Prime Minister Harper has stated, Canada believes that if the Commonwealth is to remain relevant it must stand in defence of the basic principles of freedom, democracy and respect for human dignity, which are the very foundations upon which the Commonwealth was built,” said Baird. “This decision was not taken lightly. We can no longer justify providing additional funding to an organization that turns a blind eye to human rights abuses, anti-democratic behaviour and religious intolerance in its member states.”

While Sri Lanka is Chair in Office, Canada’s $10-million annual voluntary Commonwealth contribution will instead go for two years toward supporting initiatives that espouse the Commonwealth’s values and help to deliver results for those who need them the most.

“Canada remains deeply concerned about the absence of accountability for alleged serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian standards in Sri Lanka,” said Baird. “We will reallocate the funds to assist in combatting the practice of child, early and forced marriage, and help Commonwealth civil society advance the promotion of human rights. Canada will continue to work with its partners to uphold the Commonwealth’s core values, which are cherished by all Canadians.”

– 30 –

For further information, media representatives may contact:

Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter: @DFATDCanada

Source:

http://www.international.gc.ca/media/aff/news-communiques/2014/04/14c.aspx


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“Epiphany” – Kalvi Connections

By Admin - April 12th, 2014

"Epiphany" - Kalvi Connections

“Epiphany” – Kalvi Connections ~ Youth – Talent – Charity
Canadian-Tamil Youth In Support Of Kalvi Connections
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” – Nelson Mandela
As youth living in Canada, we are extremely privileged to be able to pursue our dreams, goals and aspirations through education. We realize that many across the world are unable to receive the gift of education.Join our own Canadian-Tamil Youth as they perform in there very own production called “Epiphany”. Epiphany is an theatrical event put together by youth to support the building dreams of other youth, who may experience barriers in achieving their educational goals. An event filled with drama, dancing, singing and more!

Come join us on April 12th, 2014 @Middlefield C.I.
525 Highglen Avenue Markham, Ontario L3S 3L
For a fun-filled night of entertainment showcasing rising talents from across the GTA!

All proceeds from the event will go to KALVI CONNECTIONS. Kalvi Connections is a non-profit organization that provides assistance to students around the world to further their education goals. Kalvi Connections aims to promote, develop, and foster an interest in furthering the educational aspirations of youth.To learn more about Kalvi Connections please visit: www.kalvi.ca or visit facebook page Kalvi Connections
For Ticket Information Contact:

Geetha – (416)-841-2855
Garishan Ravishankar – (647)-221-3854

You can check out our event Facebook for more info.
https://www.facebook.com/events/446539795477320/



News Release: HRAC Calls for Travel Ban and Economic Sanctions

By Admin - April 4th, 2014

News Release: HRAC Calls for Travel Ban and Economic Sanctions

News Release: HRAC Calls for Travel Ban and Economic Sanctions

April 03, 2014

Human Rights and Advocacy Council (HRAC), Canadian Tamil Youth Alliance (CTYA)

The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) adopted a resolution that mandates a comprehensive international inquiry into the war crimes in Sri-Lanka for the Sri-Lankan state failed to investigate these allegations sufficiently itself. The resolution was adopted by a vote of 23 states in favour, 12 opposed and 12 abstentions. President Mahinda Rajapakse, in a statement to AFP said that Sri Lanka rejected the UNHRC resolution.

The HRAC welcomes the UNHRC resolution as it highlights the failure of Sri-Lanka as a sovereign state to bring about any meaningful justice to the people affected during the last phase of the armed conflict. However, considering the on-going genocide of the Eelam Tamil Nation, this resolution falls short in protecting the remaining Tamil population in the island. The condition of Tamils in their traditional homeland continues to deteriorate. Tamils continue to face rape, disappearances, intimidation against freedom of speech and assembly, destruction of heritage sites, coercive population control and disenfranchisement of land as the different forms of genocide are under swift implementation. Without a stronger action by the International Community to achieve a permanent political solution to protect the Tamil nation, the conditions will only continue to worsen.

The HRAC calls upon the Canadian government and the International Community to immediately call for travel ban and economic sanctions against Sri Lanka noting President Rajapakse’s statement rejecting their cooperation to UNHRC resolution.

The HRAC will continue to voice against the genocide of Tamils by collecting evidences from the witnesses and survivors through the Thazhumbakam project. Thazhumbakam, A Tamil Genocide Memorial Museum aims to broaden public understanding of the history of the Tamil Genocide through comprehensive programs: art and artifact exhibitions, research and publication, collecting materials, distribution of educational materials and resources, and a variety of other public programming designed to enhance understanding of the Tamil Genocide.

The need for Thazumbakam to safeguard the history of Tamils and work towards collocating evidence pointing to genocide is imperative. The HRAC further calls upon the Tamil youth in Canada to continue to raise awareness about the genocide of Eelam Tamils and participate in Thazumbakam by hosting events and exhibitions to enhance public awareness of the Tamil Genocide.

The HRAC aims to build the capacity of Canadian Tamil youth by equipping them with the necessary knowledge and skills to advocate for the protection of human rights in Canada and abroad. This Council will strive to not only uphold international law and the Geneva conventions, but also educate our youth and the broader Canadian society about the ongoing plight of Tamil people.



Tamil Eelam Challenge Cup Volleyball – Results

By Admin - March 31st, 2014

Tamil Eelam Challenge Cup Volleyball - Results

Tamil Eelam Challenge Cup Volleyball – 2014 Results
Canadian Tamil Youth Alliance’s Athletics Council successfully held its first annual Tamileelam Challenge Cup Volleyball Tournament. This tournament took place Saturday March 29th at Cederbrae Collegiate Institute. The event was coordinated by CTYA with full support from its members, who acknowledged the importance of such an event from the very beginning and assisted in all the phases of the event.

CTYA would like to congratulate and recognize all the participating teams. All 10 teams played with great team spirit and sportsmanship and made the 1st Annual Tamileelam Challenge Cup Volleyball tournament an event to remember. This year’s finals showcased a great match between Scarborough and Markham from the Canadian Tamil Volleyball League. After an extremely tight game, Scarborough prevailed as the winners while the runners up were Markham.

Awards for best players were presented; each one being representative of Tamil Eelam’s National symbols: Vaahai being the national Tree; Siruththai being the national animal; Karthigai poo being the national flower and Chenbagam being the national bird.

The Most Valuable Player award was presented to Sinthujan Nanthakumar from Scarborough. The Vaahai award was presented to the best setter of the tournament, Hellenic Vincent De Paul from Markham. The Chenbagam award was presented to the best defence of the tournament, Kobu Kunaratnam from Scarborough. The Karthigai poo award was presented to the team with the best sportsmanship which was Eelam Squad. Finally the Siruthai was presented to Sinthujan Nanthankumar from Scarborough for being the best striker of the series.

programs. The aim of this council is to educate through athletics, promote outstanding sportsmanship and build team spirit.



Want to print 3D? Take 3D Selfie? Or try 3D remixing?

By Admin - March 24th, 2014

Want to print 3D? Take 3D Selfie? Or try 3D remixing?

Want to print 3D? Take 3D Selfie? Or try 3D remixing?

Toronto Public Library will be having 3D printing expert and fabrication artist Derek Quenneville join in as an Innovator in Residence. For six weeks from March 24 to May 2 at the Digital Innovation Hub at Toronto Reference Library, you could attend FREE classes, demonstrations, meet-ups and drop-in sessions to learn about 3D design, 3D scanning and 3D printing.

Check out the Digital Innovation Hub at Toronto Reference Library to learn more. www.tpl.ca/innovate



Wishes from MPP Rod Jackson!

By Admin - March 21st, 2014

Wishes from MPP Rod Jackson!

March, 2014

As Member of Provincial Parliament for Barrie, and as Critic Responsible for Community and Social Services and the Pan Am Games for the Official Opposition, I would like to extend my best wishes to all those attending Thaalam 2014: The Ultimate Gaana Competition hosted by the Arts and Culture Council of the Canadian Tamil Youth Alliance (CTYA) on March 22nd, 2014.

Over the years, the CTYA has been a leader in promoting the development of future leaders in the arts and culture area. The Thaalam 2014 dance competition is another example of the types of worthy events that the CTYA facilitates. Events such as these help to engage the Tamil youth community, promote leadership and good citizenship, and allow youth the opportunity to showcase their talents to the Canadian Tamil and wider community.

On behalf of the Ontario PC Caucus, I would like to congratulate the CTYA for hosting this event, and to congratulate all of the highly talented and spirited teams which will be participating.

Sincerely,

Rod Jackson, MPP
Barrie



Congratulatory Greetings from City Councillor Dr. Raymond Cho!

By Admin - March 21st, 2014

Congratulatory Greetings from City Councillor Dr. Raymond Cho!

Congratulatory Greetings from Dr. Raymond Cho

On behalf of the City of Toronto especially Scarborough Rouge River, Ward 42, I am very much delighted and honoured to extend my warmest congratulations to the Canadian Tamil Youth Alliance CTYA, (a non-profit organization located in Toronto), on the occasion of hosting Thaalam 2014 – The Ultimate Gaana Competition.

It is a privilege to witness CTYA encouraging our young dance artists from across various cities come together where they will be able to showcase their passion for dance. Through this art, Tamil youth are able to express themselves of their creativity, while upholding their cultural values and preserving their heritage.

Toronto has been blessed by such a diverse mosaic of skilled, talented artists and performers all who add great richness to our city. I commend CTYA on making a positive mark in Toronto. I have been a supporter of this organization and I am confident that I will continue to be a supporter for many more years to come. Congratulations once again and I look forward to your continued success.

I take this opportunity to thank the organizers, sponsors, parents, staff and volunteers for their hard work and dedication in making tonight’s event a memorable one and I sincerely hope that everyone in attendance will have a wonderful time. God Bless You All with Good Health!

Yours truly,

Dr. Raymond Cho Toronto City Councillor