We often hear our Prime Minister say that diversity is Canada’s strength and it is because of our differences that we are able to succeed. Canada’s openness to diversity can certainly be appreciated in times when borders are being shut off and races are being discriminated against. In the wake of horrific terrorist attacks happening across the world, Canada’s willingness to build a world where diversity is celebrated creates a refreshing notion that peace is possible and that hope beats fear every time.

Sharing her take on the topic of diversity, Toronto based educator, and writer suggests that Canada’s real strength is not diversity. Instead she believes that Canada’s greatest strength is the diversity of the choices the immigrant population is able to make once they are here. In an article written for the Globe and Mail she suggests that it would be a missed opportunity for immigrants to replicate all of their cultural traditions from back home- implying that an openness and willingness to adapt to a new environment and being able to make wise decisions is the key to Canada’s success in the future.

What do you think about the topic?

For the full article, please click here.

The post Is Diversity Canada’s Biggest Strength? first appeared on Bellissimo Law Group.

With each passing year, the Sake festival continues to grow in popularity! Tickets this year range between $50- $100, depending on how much you feel like sampling!

So make sure to grab a ticket and come enjoy a taste of Toronto’s diversity!

The post Toronto Host to Largest Sake Event in Canada! first appeared on Bellissimo Law Group.

For more tidbits on Canadian sporting culture, click here

The post Scoring Big On Sports In Canada first appeared on Bellissimo Law Group.

During Black History Month the Canadian Government will be focusing on two historical black communities; Africville in Halifax Nova Scotia, and Hogan’s Alley in Vancouver British Columbia. Canada Post is issuing new stamps throughout the month to honour these communities.

Prime Minister Steven Harper issued a statement with the following  “This month, I encourage all Canadians to learn more about the important role that black Canadians have played, and continue to play, in building our great country and shaping our national identity, and to participate in the events and activities taking place to mark this important part of our heritage.”

The post Black History Month first appeared on Bellissimo Law Group.

As one of the most multicultural cities on the planet, Toronto is home to people from every single country in the world, as we saw with Cosmopolis Toronto.  Toronto’s cultural diversity is one of its greatest strengths, and it is through shared experiences across cultures that the entire community comes together.

So resist the urge to stay in this winter! The City of Toronto encourages all of us to go out and explore a new cuisine, a new restaurant, or an old favourite with family, friends and neighbours during Winterlicious 2014!

There are 200 of Toronto’s best restaurants participating in Winterlicious this year. Each will offer a fine dining experience with special prix-fixe menus showcasing their unique specialties.  Lunches will run $15-25 and dinner $25-45 including appetizers, entrees, and desserts.  For a complete list of participating restaurants click here. It is recommended to call ahead to make a reservation during the festival.

This year Winterlicious is also offering a special Culinary Event Series.  There will be a variety of special events that offer indulgent food experiences and workshops that are both interactive and educational.  Learn from expert chefs! Tickets for these events are on sale and going fast.  Contact the event producers to purchase yours.

Winterlicious runs from January 31 – February 13, 2014.

The post Winterlicious 2014 is almost here! first appeared on Bellissimo Law Group.

It is because of these values that Bellissimo Law Group is very proud to help sponsor a community based project like Cosmopolis Toronto!

“Cosmopolis” by definition is a city inhabited by people from many different countries. Toronto is exactly that.  More than half of Torontonians are born outside of Canada, making it arguably one of the most cosmopolitan cities on Earth.

Cosmopolis Toronto is a portrait photography exhibit featuring works by Colin Boyd Shafer and curated by Vanessa Tamburro.  The project is on-going and aims to capture the faces and personal stories of people from every country in the world who now make the City of Toronto their home. It is both a celebration of multiculturalism and a way to remember the important historical relationship Canada has with immigration.  Cosmopolis Toronto tells the personal stories of transnational migration: why people left and why they came.  It uses the visual impact of photography to show that Toronto, and the people who make up this city have roots that span the globe.

Bellissimo Law Group would like to extend an invitation to view the Cosmopolis Toronto exhibit in person at the Toronto Centre for the Arts!  The exhibition runs from January 15 – February 22, 2014.  Admission is free, or by donation. For exhibition hours please see the daily schedule.

Exhibition Dates:      January 15 – February 22, 2014

Location:                 Toronto Centre for the Arts (Directions)

Admission:               By donation

Exhibition Trailer:

If you would like to tell your immigration story and are interested in participating in Cosmopolis Toronto, please see the list of 60+ countries that still need an entry for the photography project.

The post You’re Invited to the Cosmopolis Toronto Photography Exhibit! first appeared on Bellissimo Law Group.