It is with great joy that I humbly use this medium to introduce the AFRICANAD Carnival, an open-air festival that aims at contributing to the promotion and development of the African / Caribbean culture and support the Regional integration movement. Carnival is a unifying, internationally celebrated, renowned and popular festival that has its origins in the region, therefore hosting of an African / Caribbean Carnival in Winnipeg would provide an opportunity for diversity, networking, dialogue and the exchange of knowledge and ideas. This event would also provide an opportunity to showcase the potential of ‘Carnival’ as a viable activity that generates real social, cultural and economic benefits, particularly as it pertains to the growth and development of micro, small and medium enterprises. Moreover, the event would facilitate discussion on the impact that Carnival has on the tourism product of our economy. Canada as a nation has welcomed more immigrant than ever before.
in 2017, the economic immigrants residing in Canada for at least 5 years exceeded Canadian average earnings by 6% and were 15-24% more likely to be working than Canadian-born residents. In 2017, 56% of permanent resident admissions were in the Economic Class. Canada has developed into the strong and vibrant country we all enjoy. Immigrants and their descendants have made immeasurable contributions to Canada, and our future success depends on continuing to ensure they are welcomed and well-integrated which the carnival would help to make them even more welcomed, comfortable to live here and inclusive.
Also, in 2017, the Government of Canada adopted a historic multi-year levels plan to responsibly grow our annual immigration levels to 340,000 by 2020, with 60 percent of the growth in the Economic Class. Growing immigration levels, particularly in the Economic Class, will help us sustain our labour force, support economic growth and spur innovation.
The Carnival is projected to be fun filled as we would have the music zone with a traditional mix of live and DJ played music plus numerous cultural displays and information stalls, drinks, fun fair, Traditional attire showcase and most important some of the region’s best food/cuisine (Come find out who has the best Jollof rice) The Carnival will be held for the first time this year on August 31th 2019 at The Exchange District.
