Press Release: Markham's "Many Faces" Concert Will Put Diversity At Centre Stage

Markham, ON-Racial harmony will be in the spotlight at the ninth annual Many Faces of Markham concert, featuring musical and dance performances, on Sunday, April 15, 2007. Sponsored by the Town of Markham's Race Relations Advisory Committee, this year's concert theme is "Living Diversity," in honour of the multicultural fabric of Markham.

A highlight of the event is Guest Speaker Dr. Jean Augustine, Fairness Commissioner for the Province of Ontario.

This year's concert features music and dance performances from professional and community groups with a diversity of background. The groups include: Jayadevan's Sariga Creations, Ritmik (African Drums), Nrutha Kala Kendra, and solo performers; Lisa Pinnock Fernandes, Nicole Leigh Bennett, Sarah Yoshida, Mark Braithwaite, Jenna Burke, Rob Davies, Ishwaria Chandrabala and Victoria Chan. These talented artists will take centre stage at the Markham Theatre for Performing Arts, 171 Town Centre Blvd., Markham.

"Being one of the most diverse communities in Canada, Markham is a great example of diversity in action," said Mayor Frank Scarpitti. "The strength of our future lies in recognizing the energy, determination and talents of everyone who makes Markham their home. We celebrate our differences and acknowledge our similarities, interacting with each other in mutual respect to foster racial harmony."

Census data from Statistics Canada reports that about 56 per cent of Markham residents (of its more than 265,000 population) are visible minorities – making it the municipality with the second highest proportion of visible minorities in Canada.

During the event, Mayor Frank Scarpitti, Dr. Jean Augustine, Members of Markham Council and the Race Relations Advisory Committee will present awards to students from area schools who have earned literary and arts awards through competitions held by the Many Faces of Markham Organizing Committee.

The Town's Race Relations Committee promotes and increases the recognition of the richness of Markham's diverse cultures through events, seminars and concerts such as this one. The Many Faces of Markham celebration acknowledges March 21 as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, as designated by the United Nations and proclaimed by Markham Council.

Many Faces of Markham Concert
Sunday, April 15, 2007 at 2:30 p.m.

Markham Theatre for Performing Arts
171 Town Centre Blvd., Markham
(northwest corner of Highway 7 and Warden Ave.)

Stronach Leaving Politics

Liberal MP Belinda Stronach has announced that she is quitting politics to return to Magna International and intends to accept a position with the auto-parts company immediately.
Stronach holds the federal seat in the riding of Newmarket-Aurora, but won't run for re-election and is going to step into the role of executive vice-chair in the company founded by her father, Frank Stronach.
Ms. Stronach also said she wanted to spend more time with her two children.

- ER

Vaughan Election Recount Will Take Place

A judge has ruled that a full recount in Vaughan's municipal election last November will take place.
The terms have not yet been set, but lawyers representing the City of Vaughan and former Mayor Micheal Di Biase, will consult with Ontario Superior Court Justice Peter Howden about how to conduct the recount.
A computer recount of completed ballots was ordered by city council in late November after Di Biase, disputed the results and found a four-ballot difference, widening the gap between him and current Mayor, Linda Jackson.

- ER

Sports Report

Gustavo Chacin pitched five strong innings, giving up three earned runs as the Blue Jays defeated the Kansas City Royals last night, 7-4.
BJ Ryan picked up his third save of the season, Troy Glaus hit a solo homerun, and Alex Rios and Aaron Hill both contributed with two-run doubles.
The Jays open up a four game series with the Detroit Tigers tonight at the Rogers Centre.
Tomo Ohka (0-0) will be on the mound, while the Tigers counter with Mike Maroth (1-0).
First pitch is at 7:07pm.

The Toronto FC have announced a television deal with three broadcasters.
The CBC will air 14 games including the April 28th home opener.
The Score will air 8 matches, as will Rogers Sportsnet.
CBC has also acquired exclusive Canadian rights for the MLS All-Star Game and Playoffs.

The NHL Playoffs are underway.
The Ottawa Senators took game one after a solid 6-3 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Meanwhile, Henrick Sedin of the Vancouver Canucks scored with 1:54 left in the 4th overtime period, to give his team a 5-4 victory over the Dallas Stars, and a 1-0 series lead.
Other game one winners included Anaheim and San Jose.

Scoreboard

OHL

Kitchener 4 Plymouth 2 (Plymouth leads 3-1)
Sudbury 4 Barrie 2 (Sudbury wins 4-0)
Belleville 5 Oshawa 2 (Belleville wins 4-0)

- ER