As a proudly multicultural nation, Canada attracts a large number of immigrants from all over the world, among them a large number of Arabic speaking immigrants. In striving to maintain this multiculturalism, Canada has created a cultural environment that inspires respect and understanding between cultures.
In order to serve the needs of new Egyptian and Arab-Canadians (over 350,000) the Egyptian Canadian Friendship Association was founded on June 29, 1989. It is a non-profit organization according to Quebec law and membership is open to all Canadians, regardless of religion, race, sex, or original background. The association is registered, number 2579-3102 and NEQ1143605021.
1.El Masri Newspaper: registered in 1993, ISSN# 1480-929X. It has been published regularly since October 1993, with a print and distribution run of 12,000 free copies at 108 drop points. Website: www.el-masrionline.com
2.El-Mahrousa Magazine: registered in 1996, ISSN#-1480-0575. It has been published regularly since September 1996, with a print and distribution run of 12,000 free copies at 108 drop points. Website: www.el-mahrousaonline.com
3.Egyptian Directory: registered in 1994, ISSN# 1480-9507. It is published annually with a distribution run of 10,000 free copies.
4.Medical Service Guide: registered on 2004, ISSN# 1710-1867. Published annually with a run of 10,000 copies, this is the first guide to contain information about all Arabic speaking medical professionals in Quebec. Website:www.medicalserviceguide.com
All our publications are certified by the following organizations:
1.Quebec Newspaper Association and Canada CAJ
2.Revised documentation by Tirage certifié
3.Cossette agent for the Federal Government
4.Public Services Inc. for the Quebec Government
5.Board of Trade for Metropolitan for business and media
6.Egyptian Ministry of Information Services
7.Egyptian Information and Press Office in Ottawa
8.General Libraries in Canada and Quebec
9.All publications listed in CARD
Association publications do not discriminate and are based on equality.
Website: www.ecfriendshipassociation.com
1.Helping new immigrants establish themselves by providing important information needed to start their new life in Canada.
2.Organizing conferences and seminars for the Arab-Canadian community. The seminars discuss Canadian laws, immigration procedures and general information.
3.Representing Egypt in cultural festivals in Canada, to promote Egyptian arts and culture among Canadians.
4.Building strong ties with other ethnic communities through social, artistic, and cultural exchanges.
5.Providing information to senior citizens about social and financial programs in Quebec and Canada.
6.Publishing a Service Directory for new arrivals to help them find job opportunities.
7.Offering translation and certification of official documents.
8.Organizing social events to draw the community together in appreciation of a shared cultural and artistic history.
9.Publishing the El Masri Newspaper since 1993 and El Mahrousa Magazine since 1996, providing current events news about Canada and Egypt.
10.The Egyptian Canadian Friendship Association has been organizing the Egyptian festival in Canada since 2004 with the cooperation of the Egyptian ministry of culture, as well as the Quebec ministry of culture.
1.The commemorative medal for the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada from the Queen of England and the Governor General of Canada, granted to the Association’s president, Adel Iskander.
2.The Canadian Citizenship Award was awarded to the president of the Association from the minister of multiculturalism and immigration.
3.National recognition for participating in the citizen’s forum on Canada’s future to ensure and secure all immigration rights in Canada.
4.The Egyptian Canadian Friendship Association was noted by Parliamentary session on December 2, 2009 for the efforts of its two main founders and for the success of the ‘Egyptian Festival’ in Canada.
5.The Minister of Immigration and Citizenship has recognized the Association’s 20 years of accomplishments and contribution to Quebec and Canadian society.
6.Letters of appreciation from different organizations for supporting their fund-raising campaigns (the Missing Children’s Network, Concordia University, Montréal Children’s Hospital, St. Mary’s church).
7.Recognition letters from members of parliament (MPs) as well as members of the Assemble Nationale (MNA) for our social and cultural achievements and involvements.
8.Appreciation letters from different Egyptian authorities for our efforts and contributions as Egyptian Canadians.
9.Awards to founder Nancy Youssef for annual participation in the various cultural events.
