As part of its new 5-year strategic plan, the Festival Management Committee (FMC) for the Toronto Caribbean Carnival has been extending its influence far beyond the annual celebration to roll out a variety of cultural and educational programs. These initiatives address the needs, challenges, and aspirations of the Caribbean diaspora in Ontario while creating mutual benefits for the wider community. The FMC aims to be a platform that elevates the cultural expressions of the Caribbean, ensuring that the richness of Caribbean heritage is celebrated and integrated into the fabric of Canada, truly bringing the expression "Diversity Lives Here" to life.

"Our ultimate vision is to create a permanent location, a Caribbean Cultural Centre, a place where our heritage can be celebrated year-round," said Jennifer Hirlehey, Executive Chair of the Board of Directors for the FMC. “This Centre will serve as a hub for education, economic empowerment, and social inclusion, while also providing a venue for the Carnival and housing a museum of the Carnival Arts. To achieve this lofty goal, we need the support of all levels of Government and the private sector to join us on this journey. Their investment is crucial to enriching the lives of Caribbean interests, who make up approximately 4% of Ontario’s population, according to 2021 census data."

In the meantime, the FMC has been partnering with several organizations to deepen knowledge and appreciation for Caribbean cultural expression. Bernadine Rambarran, Education Consultant for the FMC explains, "Our outreach programs are designed to bridge gaps and build stronger connections within our community. By fostering a deeper understanding of Caribbean culture, we aim to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered. These initiatives not only celebrate our heritage but also provide essential support and resources to our community members." For example, the FMC is rolling out the Carnival Arts initiative in partnership with the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) to integrate carnival arts into local schools, to deepen the knowledge and appreciation for Caribbean cultural expression.  The program has the potential to impact approximately 235,000 students and provides opportunities to explore creativity and cultural heritage. 

Similarly, at York University, the FMC has partnered with the Schulich School of Business to be a presenter for its Schulich Business Excellence Academy (SBEA) and to be the focus of this year’s case study- one of the first case studies done on a minority-led organization. The Schulich Business Excellence Academy is a summer business education and mentorship program supporting approximately 60 Grade 10, 11, or 12 high school students across Ontario. The program targets all students from under-represented groups with a focus on Black and Indigenous communities. The program provides high school students in need with resources to become tomorrow’s leaders.

The FMC’s Diversity and Equity Training programs ensure inclusivity and respect within the community. Over the past year, more than 200 community leaders and educators have participated in these sessions, reflecting the FMC’s commitment to fostering a diverse and equitable environment.

More broadly, the FMC is working with organizations such as the Toronto Football Club, to support the Young Learners Program to foster educational and athletic development among youth. This program has engaged over 1,000 students, enhancing their academic performance and physical well-being.

Another highlight of the FMC's community programs is the Building Black Entrepreneurs Program (BBEP), which supports the economic empowerment of racialized communities. To date, the BBEP has supported nearly 400 entrepreneurs, created 130 jobs and has generated approximately $2 million in economic activity.

"The Toronto Caribbean Carnival is more than a festival; it is a testament to the FMC’s commitment to community development and cultural education," reiterated Mishka Crichton, CEO of the FMC. "We invite the Ontario government to collaborate with us, investing in the festival and its programming to continue delivering mutually beneficial support for our community while preserving and enhancing the beloved tradition of the festival within the province," she said.

The FMC maintains strong community ties through its newsletter, reaching over 30,000 subscribers, and media programs like the CP24 Toronto Caribbean Carnival Patio Series, which airs every Friday leading up to the carnival. The FMC’s website and social media platforms further ensure continuous community engagement and information sharing.

For more information about the Toronto Caribbean Carnival, VIP packages, and event schedules, please visit www.torontocarnival.ca.

Contact: media@torontocarnival.ca