Decmber 17, 2011

Christian Cultural Association of South Asia (CCASA) held its annual Christmas social get together and dinner on December 17 at The Salvation Army Church, Cawthra Road, Mississauga. The Christian Cultural Association of South Asians (CCASA), was established in 1995 to promote good relations between people of South Asian origin, and to improve both image and understanding between this Association and Canadian Society.  We are a non-political, non-profit and a non-partisan organization making strategic investments to build healthy, sustainable and caring communities in Canada.  CCASA understand the need for creating a positive community experience which benefits both immigrants in particular and Canadian society in general.  

The program was inaugurated with the prayer by Rev David Alexander and reading of the Holy Scripture by Pastor Peter Paul. 

In this dinner Honorable Member of Parliament Mr. Brad Butt was the guest of honor. In his address he once again gave the assurance that government of Canada is very much concerned with issues like blasphemy law and discrimination in Pakistan against minorities as well as across the world. He apprised the audience that the Office of Religious Freedom is one of the steps that shows government’s determination. Mr. Butt acknowledged the role of CCASA to bring all communities of South Asia on one platform and to provide them an opportunity to express their concerns. He said that Canadian values such as freedom, democracy, human rights and the laws of land provide every citizen an equal right to live in Canada and it demonstrates that Canada truly is a free society. He said that Government of Canada is very much aware of challenges minorities are facing in Pakistan. He further added that the government is seriously working on the Office of Religious Freedom and we had every plan to announce its ambassador by the end of December this year. However, it would be announced sometime in January so that this office can start working. He wished everyone very happy and prosperous Christmas and New Year.

Honorable Federal Minister for Religious harmony in Pakistan sent a message expressing his gratitude to the government of Canada for establishing the Office of Religious Freedom and to show their deep concern for the minorities in Pakistan. He said that the support and concern consistently shown by the government of Canada on any discriminatory issue always give strength to the minorities fighting for the rights. 

Mr. Samuel Laldin, Chairman, CCASA, in his closing remarks, appreciated the efforts of Toronto Chapter for organizing such a wonderful program to celebrate Christmas. He also informed the audience that CCASA has started the process of opening a Chapter in Islamabad, Pakistan; this will be a big achievement for the organization. On behalf of the CCASA members Sam wished everybody a very Happy Christmas and lots of blessings and happiness for coming New Year. The program ended with the note that CCASA would always raise its voice against discrimination and violation.