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Left to Right: Farah Merchant, Conference Lieutenant; Ajay Chopra, VP of Events; Right Honourable Michael J. Bryant, Minister of Economic Development for the Province of Ontario, Right Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration & Multiculturalism for the Government of Canada; Raj Girn, Marketing & Communications Chair; Syerah Virani, Contents Chair, Dinu Mukherjee, Sponsorships Chair; Neera Shukla, Technology Chair; Mandy Maghera, Logistics Chair, Dipti Rach, Conference Advisor.
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(Toronto, March 18, 2009) The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, and the Honourable Michael J. Bryant, Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development attended a press conference hosted by the Network of Indian Professionals to announce the upcoming 18th Annual NetIP North America Conference being held in Toronto over the Labour Day Weekend.
Speaking on behalf of the Government of Canada, Minister Kenney expressed support of the NetIP Conference, which he said, “is really going to put the spot light on the incredible growing success of professionals of Indian origin across Canada and the GTA.” Kenney applauded the vitality Indo-Canadians have brought to Canada, and indicated the NetIP Conference will be a tremendous platform to build on that success. He went on to say, “Toronto is the key centre for business in Canada and is one of the most ethnically diverse urban centres in the world.” Minister Kenney also acknowledged that the Indo-Canadian community in Canada, and the broader South Asian community is not new, as he explained “people of South Asian origin have been a part of our cultural fabric since the nineteenth century.” Based on a recent visit to India, in meetings with Indian business leaders and Government officials, Kenney was told Civil Society in that country sees Canada as a sign (place) of real hope.
In his final remarks, Mr. Kenney told attendees, “the Government of Canada has placed the relationship with India as a top priority, particularly with regard to our foreign and economic development policy.”
Ontario’s Minister Bryant recognized Canada is a hub, particularly for South Asian professions, investors and workers. Mr. Bryant said, “the South Asian Community is not only attracting and keeping investment here in Canada and in Toronto in particular, thereby providing professional services for investors of all nationalities and cultures in Toronto and across the entire Country.”
Quoting Ian Forrester’s two words, “Just Connect”, Minister Bryant suggested, “those words are the thesis for all global networks.” Bryant went on to say, “There’s nothing like getting people together, face to face, bringing all that energy together, and using technology thereafter to build on those relationships. By having the conference in the GTA, we allow for another jumpstart for Toronto, Ontario and the Canadian economy, while further building of this important, influential and smart network in Toronto. It’s an opportunity to build forward to the conference, adding to the great success these NetIP Conferences have had in the past.” In his closing statement, Mr. Bryant stated, “on behalf of Premier McGuinty, the Government of Ontario, and the Legislative Assembly, that this years NetIP Conference in Toronto is great news for the City, Province and Canada”
The Convention’s VP of Events for the NetIP Executive Committee, Mr. Ajay Chopra said, “NetIP (North America) is delighted to return to Canada and the dynamic City of Toronto", and thanked both Minister’s for their kind support. Mr. Chopra went on to say, “the Conference will be held in Toronto at the City’s Sheraton Centre Hotel September 4th, through Sunday September 6th, 2009. Judging from past conferences, we expect approximately 800 to 1000 attendees, consisting of Corporate executives, Senior Managers, Entrepreneurs, Policy Makers, Academics, plus Media & Entertainment Celebrities.” Chopra also announced that the NetIP Conference web site will be launched on April 1st, 2009 at www.netipconference.org. “Our conference will be an important event for our community, which will help strengthen our International networks, while providing a boost to our economy”, said Chopra.
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The Network of Indian Professionals (NetIP) is a non-profit organization dedicated the overall achievement and advancement of South Asian professionals across North America. NetIP boasts 22 Chapter’s across North America, with a database membership of more than 35 thousand. As one of the leading organizations for South Asian professionals, NetIP (North America) is recognized by political, civic, and community leaders across the continent.
For additional information about NetIP and it's 18th Annual Conference, please see attached media kit.
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