TORONTO, ON - July 04, 2014 /CNW/ - The media are invited to join Finance Minister Joe Oliver, Minister of Tourism Culture and Sport Michael Coteau, Scotiabank VP of the Toronto East District Christine Williams, Ontario Science Centre CEO Maurice Bitran, Festival CEO Denise Herrera-Jackson and CAO Chris Alexander, members of the Canadian Caribbean community and Chutney Soca artist Drupatee to kick off the 47th annual Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 8th at Nathan Phillips Square.

The launch ceremony, hosted by CTV Toronto's Andria Case and CP24's Pooja Handa will be followed by a colourful parade of over 100 Mas players, Afropan Steel Band, Calypso Soca Monarch Macomere Fifi and Reggae Artist Steele. Caribbean food vendors will be on-site.

What: Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival 2014 is kicking off the 3-week summer festival at Nathan Phillips Square. The NOON HOUR launch showcases the many events that will entertain and energize Toronto leading up to the Grand Parade on Saturday Aug. 2. Keynote speakers including major sponsors, city officials and members of the FMC. There will be music, performances and food. 

Why: Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival is an important tourism event. It annually brings hundreds of thousands of tourists into the city. New events and new funding will be announced. Grand Parade route has been extended. There will be an addition of Jab Jab J'Ouvert, Summer Slamm and Carnival Island music events, with major Caribbean performers to appear at all three events. Carnival moving to Malvern. Summer BBQ at Liberty Village. 

Who: Scheduled to speak are Federal Minister of Finance Joe Oliver, Provincial Minister of Culture, Tourism and Sport Michael Coteau, City Councillor Joe Mihevc, Scotiabank VP of the Toronto East District Christine Williams, CEO Denise Herrera-Jackson and CAO Chris Alexander of the Festival Management Committee. The kick off will be hosted by Andria Case of CTV and Pooja Handa of CP24.

There will be 100 masqueraders, both male and female, at the Square for photo/interview opportunities. Also attending are Afro Pan, Canada Calypso Monarch Macomere Fifi, (Reggae artist) Steele, Connector, Fire eaters and Limbo dancers and Chutney Soca artiste Drupatee.

When: National anthem at 11:55 a.m. sharp. Speeches from 11:59 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Caribbean entertainment until 2 p.m. Entertainment resumes at 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Where: Nathan Phillips Square. Queen Street - Toronto City Hall.

How: All media are welcome to cover the event. www.torontocaribbeancarnival.com. The public is encouraged to attend this FREE event.

Media Contacts

Stephen Weir 
Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival Publicist
Phone 416-489-5868
Cell: 416-801-3101
Email: Stephen@stephenweir.com

Darling Nicky
Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival Cultural Liaison and PR 
Cell: 905-399-5322
Email: darlingnicky.ca@gmail.com

Diana Hart
Scotiabank, Public, Corporate & Government Affairs
Cell: 647-821-3849
Email: diana.hart@scotiabank.com