$248,000 Grant at Work for the Federation of Chinese Canadians in Markham
February 27, 2009

Markham – On Friday, the focus in Markham was on jobs.  Specifically on the official announcement that the Federation of Chinese Canadians in Markham (FCCM) has received a $248,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to create a Diversity Job Fair.  The Hon. Michael Chan, MPP for Markham-Unionville, Reza Moridi, MPP for Richmond Hill and Gary Gladstone, a Foundation volunteer, shared the news of the grant and presented Dr. Ken Ng, Chair of FCCM, with a plaque to commemorate the work the organization is doing.

“The grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation will no doubt help the Federation of Chinese Canadians in Markham (FCCM) to expand upon the already significant contributions they have made to our community,” said Michael Chan, M.P.P., Markham-Unionville.  “Ontario's diversity is its greatest strength. The FCCM's annual Diversity Job Fairs will help Ontario's newcomers who possess experience, skills and expertise to find meaningful work that will give Ontario a leading edge in continually evolving global markets.”

The goal of this four-year grant, made in October 2008, is to create an Annual Diversity Job Fair in the area that will give people new to Canada another opportunity to find new employment opportunities and learn more about area employers.   This is an opportunity for those seeking employment and employers alike in Markham, York Region and other communities within the Greater Toronto Area as well. It’s estimated that up to 50 to 70 exhibitors, representing local businesses, colleges and universities and community agencies, will participate.  Funds from the grant are being used by FCCM to staff two part time positions to coordinate this initiative.  As well, money is being used for rental equipment, marketing and information materials and some administrative costs.

“We are excited about the potential that the Job Fair will have in the community,” said Dr. Ken Ng. “With our work in the area, the Federation of Chinese Canadians in Markham staff and volunteers saw a need for this unique fair and we’re looking forward to moving ahead and helping employers connect with potential employees.”
 
The Federation of Chinese Canadians in Markham has been an active voice in the community and operates from the Markham Chinese Cultural Centre, located at the Markham Village Mall.  Since 1989, it has offered a diverse range of language classes, arts and recreation programs and since 2003, it has run the Taste of Asia Street Festival – a now much anticipated event on the calendar for many. 

The Ontario Trillium Foundation is an agency of the Government of Ontario.  For over 25 years, the Foundation has supported the growth and vitality of communities across the province. OTF continues to strengthen the capacity of the volunteer sector through investments in community-based initiatives. For more information, please visit www.trilliumfoundation.org.


For more information, please contact:           

Dr. Ken Ng, Chairman                                                              
Federation of Chinese Canadians in Markham
905-946-1137                    

The Hon. Michael Chan, MPP
Markham-Unionville
905-305-1935