The Children’s Breakfast Clubs –
Trip to Ottawa for Black History Celebrations

The Children’s Breakfast Clubs have always actively encouraged our children, from all backgrounds, to draw strength and motivation from the triumphs of great Black Canadians throughout history. This years theme for our Black History Poster was ‘Generations of Keeping Canadians Healthy!’ where we highlighted some of the many Black Canadians that have contributed to medical advancements and triumphs in healthcare. From doctors, to nurses, to dentists and pharmacists, Black Canadians have a proud history, present and future in these fields. We look forward to continuing to shine the light on these influencers and change makers, not just in the month of February, but throughout the year.
To celebrate the accomplishments of Black Canadians on April 16, 2019, The Children’s Breakfast Clubs and MP Gary Anandasangaree arranged for children from several public schools across Southern Ontario to travel to Ottawa. We celebrated the achievements of outstanding individuals that have made their mark in history and paved the road for generations of Canadians to sit at the table of opportunity, while the children learned about the laws of Canada through the Charter of Rights and Freedoms by visiting the Parliament Buildings. This trip was made possible because of the generous support from our proud corporate partner, VIA Rail Canada.
The journey started with children gathering bright and early in the morning at Toronto’s beautiful Union Station, proudly wearing the 2019 Black History Month tee-shirts and ready to learn. Community leaders such as the Hon. Jean Augustine, were accompanied by Mrs. Bev Salmon, the widow of Dr. Salmon & Ms. Bennett, the daughter of Dr. White, both of whom were doctors featured on the Black History Month Poster, joined the children on the train and helped answer any questions that their hungry minds might have. VIA Rail’s Senior Manager of Central Canada, Mr. Vladimire Jean-Pierre, provided insight on how VIA Rail Canada continues to keep communities connected.

In Ottawa, the children had an opportunity to attend a welcome reception at the Parliament Buildings hosted by MP Gary Anandasangaree, MP Greg Fergus and Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizneship, MP Ahmed Hussen. Copies of the 2019 Black History Month Poster were presented to other Members of Parliament. The children had a guided tour throughout the Parliament Buildings, the new chambers and the Senate buildings. They learned about the different processes that take place when laws are introduced and rights are defended.

The Children also had an opportunity to meet with several dignitaries, to inquire about their respective professions. They took time to teach the children all about Parliament. These individuals include:

· Shauna Marie-Benn – Casework Manager to MP Gary Anandasangaree
· Sebastian Clarke – Special Assistant to the Minister of Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada
· Nyagua Chiek – Special Assistant to the Minister of Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada
· Chukky Ibe – Policy Advisor to the Minister of Seniors
· Lauriane Songuissa-Moulangou – Parliamentary Assistant to MP Greg Fergus
· Touré Fatou – Member’s Assistant to MP Greg Fergus
· Nivitha Jeyakumar – Member’s Assistant to MP Randeep Sarai
· Jess Pierre – Operations Manager to the Minister of Family, Children and Social Development
· Roslyne Zamor – Special Assistant to the Prime Minister
· François-Olivier Picard – Special Assistant to the Minister of Family, Children and Social Development

The children returned to Toronto at the end of the day, excited to share their experiences with their peers and motivated to one day be change makers themselves. It was certainly an opportunity of a lifetime!

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