Preface
The Golden Maple Chinese Seniors Association (GMCSA) celebrated Canada’s 159th National Day on July 1, 2026, at R.K. McMillan Park in Mississauga. The celebration brought together seniors, families, volunteers, invited guests and community supporters in a joyful gathering that reflected the spirit of Canada through cultural sharing, music, dance and friendship.
This year’s celebration was especially meaningful as GMCSA continued its Canada Day tradition and received warm recognition from the City of Mississauga. A special message from Mayor Carolyn Parrish, a certificate recognizing GMCSA’s Canada Day celebration tradition, and a visit from Councillor Joe Horneck added a memorable dimension to the occasion.
Through the dedication of our volunteers, the participation of our members and the support of our community partners, GMCSA created an opportunity for seniors to celebrate Canada, share their talents and strengthen their connections with the wider community. Despite the exceptional heat that required the celebration to conclude near noon, the day remained a meaningful and joyful expression of community, friendship and belonging.
1. Opening Remarks for the Celebration of Canada’s 159th Birthday
• The Golden Maple Chinese Seniors Association (GMCSA) celebrated Canada’s 159th National Day on July 1, 2026, at R.K. McMillan Park in Mississauga. The celebration brought together seniors, families, volunteers, invited guests, and community supporters. Through cultural sharing, music, dance, and friendship, the event highlighted the spirit of Canada.
This year’s celebration was especially meaningful as GMCSA continued its Canada Day tradition and received warm recognition from the City of Mississauga. A special message from Mayor Carolyn Parrish, a certificate of recognition presented to honour GMCSA’s long-standing Canada Day celebration tradition, and a visit from Councillor Joe Horneck added memorable significance to the occasion.
With the dedication of volunteers, the participation of members, and the support of community partners, GMCSA created an opportunity for seniors to celebrate Canada, share their talents, and strengthen their connections with the wider community. Although the celebration concluded before noon and the weather was exceptionally hot, the day remained a meaningful and joyful expression of community, friendship, and a sense of belonging.
2. Tang Ying — Solo Performance of the Canadian National Anthem
3. Golden Maple Friends of Music — Instrumental Performance of the Canadian National Anthem
4. Congratulatory Address by the President of the Golden Maple Chinese Seniors Association
• On July 7, 2026, Dr. Hui-Ping Huang, President of the Golden Maple Chinese Seniors Association (GMCSA), was honoured with the City of Mississauga Mayor’s Honour Award, presented by Mayor Carolyn Parrish.
The award recognizes Ms. Helena Huang for her long-standing commitment to community service and selfless dedication. Your compassion, dedication, and years of service to the community have made a positive and lasting impact on the City of Mississauga.
Through your time, talents, and enthusiasm in serving others, you have not only enriched the lives of community residents but have also made valuable contributions toward building a better Mississauga. Your continued commitment to serving society and benefiting the community inspires more people to participate in charitable and community service.
On behalf of Mississauga City Council and all residents of Mississauga, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to you and wish you continued success and even greater achievements in the years ahead.
Mayor Carolyn Parrish
City of Mississauga
July 7, 2026
5. Volunteer English Translation of the President’s Address
• Since 2021, the Golden Maple Chinese Seniors Association (GMCSA) has established strong intergenerational English conversation classes and smart technology exploration programs. These programs provide volunteers with opportunities to develop and apply their talents while patiently and enthusiastically supporting seniors. Through their involvement, volunteers gain valuable social skills and practical experience, while discovering that community education and volunteer service can be meaningful ways to develop their own abilities and personal growth.
Under the leadership of GMCSA President, who has several decades of teaching experience, volunteers have learned to manage programs independently, develop and edit their own teaching materials, and build strong organizational and leadership skills.
GMCSA also encourages and supports volunteers in organizing and participating in community service activities during the summer. Outstanding volunteers may receive letters of recommendation from the Association to support their applications for admission to leading universities and further educational opportunities.
6. Volunteer French Translation of the President’s Address
• GMCSA volunteers are talented and multilingual, bringing a wide range of skills and abilities to the community. Through the Association’s computer classes, volunteers have also learned how to edit and manage websites—practical skills and learning opportunities that are not typically offered in schools.
7.Remarks by Mississauga Ward 6 Councillor Joe Horneck
• Mississauga Ward 6 Councillor Joe Horneck is an approachable public official who cares deeply about the well-being of residents from diverse cultural backgrounds. Through community initiatives such as summer movie screenings and local road improvement projects, he contributes to making Ward 6 a welcoming and comfortable place for residents to live, work, and enjoy their community, while strengthening their connection to the City of Mississauga.
8. Remarks by the President of the Jiahua Times
9. Councillor Joe Horneck, on behalf of the City of Mississauga, presents GMCSA with a certificate recognizing seven consecutive years of Canada Day celebrations.
Since its establishment, the Golden Maple Chinese Seniors Association (GMCSA) has celebrated Canada Day as a special occasion for people across the country to come together in celebration and joy. GMCSA embraces multiculturalism and promotes Chinese culture through traditional Chinese folk dances, music, and singing, bringing together diverse cultural traditions while celebrating Canada’s national day.
10. “Maple Grace” — A Dance Performance
11. “Joyful Xinjiang Dance” — Celebrating Canada Day