Residents come together to celebrate Hamilton’s diversity at first-ever Newcomer Day

HAMILTON, ON - Today, the City of Hamilton welcomed hundreds of participants at the first-ever Hamilton Newcomer Day at Hamilton City Hall. The event celebrated the richly diverse and inclusive Hamilton that we are today while providing the opportunity to learn about the resources and services available to help newcomers make Hamilton their home.

Hosted by the Hamilton Immigration Partnership Council, the afternoon featured family-friendly activities and games, greetings from Mayor Fred Eisenberger, entertainment, food, and an information fair featuring short workshops on various topics.

“Hamilton is a city with a long history of welcoming all who are looking to build a new life. As a newcomer myself, I have experienced first-hand the hospitality of our great city. I am proud of the work of the Hamilton Immigration Partnership Council and our resettlement community partners. By providing Hamilton’s newest residents with the support needed to call Hamilton home, we all benefit from their contributions to our economy, and the enrichment of our cultural life.” - Fred Eisenberger, Mayor, City of Hamilton

During the event, 35 new citizens from 15 countries around the world were welcomed at a special citizenship ceremony in Council Chambers hosted by the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, and the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister of Seniors and Member of Parliament for Hamilton West–Ancaster–Dundas.

Quick facts

• 1 in 4 Hamiltonians are born outside of Canada.
• Hamilton is one of the most diverse and multicultural cities in Canada, with a population of more than 500,000 residents.
• In total, there are about 130,000 immigrants living in Hamilton, comprising about 25% of the population
• Created in 2009, the Hamilton Immigration Partnership Council (HIPC) facilitates community partnerships to coordinate and enhance delivery of services to newcomers. HIPC is funded by Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada