LAH-ISN News

LAH ISN Attends Fuerza Latina Recognition Event

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 01:38:18 GMT

99,900.00 OTF Grant Gives Local Youth Opportunity for Growth

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On the evening of March 13th, 2023, the Maple Community Centre in Vaughan was buzzing with excitement as Fuerza Latina Community Services hosted an event to recognize the Ontario Trillium Foundation for their support and contributions to their efforts in promoting and supporting Latino culture in Canada. The event was also an opportunity for members of the Latin American and Hispanic Internal Support Network (LAH-ISN) to support their achievements, which have supported many local youth, by providing them opportunities to grow.

The event was attended by several key stakeholders, including MPP Stephen Lecce, MPP Laura Smith, MP Anna Roberts for the City of King-Vaughan, Deputy Mayor of Vaughan Linda Jackson, and Laura PArsons, a volunteer for the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

During the event, LAH-ISN members connected with attendees and outlined their goals and initiatives. They also fielded questions about how the Toronto Police Service is engaging with the Latino community and discussed ways in which the attendees could be involved in the ISN's efforts.

Maurizio Ceresoli and Juana Munoz, members of the LAH-ISN Steering Committee, were in attendance and were impressed with the support and recognition that Fuerza Latina received for their efforts. They highlighted the importance of organizations like Fuerza Latina and the Ontario Trillium Foundation in promoting cultural diversity and inclusion in Canada.

Overall, the event was a great success and provided an opportunity for members of the Latino community to come together and celebrate their culture while also highlighting important initiatives and efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in the community. The LAH-ISN looks forward to continuing to engage with the Latin American and Hispanic community in the Greater Toronto Area.

LAH-ISN Engagement for Hispanic Heritage Month

LAH-ISN (LAH ISN) — Mon, 31 Oct 2022 01:19:23 GMT

Hispanic Heritage Month Engagement

October is officially recognized as Hispanic Heritage Month . In a recent video by Toronto Mayor John Tory, he stated “ This month, we are also reminded of the valued contributions that the Hispanic communities in our city have made to the success of the city including the economic and the social and cultural fabric of our city … Our Hispanic communities have greatly enriched our lives and have achievements across every field from business to science to sports to the arts to government and for all that I thank all of the members of those Hispanic communities .”

Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities in North America and the Hispanic and Latin community continues to grow. As a result, the Toronto Police Service (TPS) has been working diligently to represent that diversity within its members. Part of this effort is the creation and ongoing support of Internal Support Networks. Just about a year ago, TPS launched the Latin American and Hispanic Internal Support Network (LAH-ISN), which aims to empower all TPS members, Civilians and Police Officers, to further cultivate relationships grounded in trust and respect with the Latin American and Hispanic Communities.

This October, LAH-ISN members partnered with members of the Talent Acquisition Unit to engage and inform community members of employment opportunities within TPS, as well as provide resources to community organizations. There were two locations for the engagement: North York Sheridan Mall and No Frills parking Lot, both in the Jane Street and Wilson Avenue intersections. The location was key as it is home to a high concentration of persons who identify their mother tongue as being Spanish (Statistics Canada, 2016).

The engagement was by all accounts a success! Hundreds of people approached officers, asked questions, obtained valuable information, danced to Latin music and took some pictures. Officers from the Mounted Unit , along with their horses also attended and engaged with people of all ages and nationalities. 31 Division Neighbourhood Community Officers (NCOs) assigned to the Glefield-Heights were also present to listen to community members. Concerns that were raised in those conversations will be addressed by the NCOs.

The officers and civilian members were all well received by the community and several people expressed their gratitude and relief to be able to communicate in their own language. The language barrier, once eliminated, allowed for open dialogue. It was evident that relationships were being built, which allows for trust between the police and community to develop. This then leads to safer communities for people to live, sleep, play and work.

"Esto Es Colombia" Opens its Doors to ISN Members for First Social

Fri, 22 Jul 2022 01:03:54 GMT

"Esto Es Colombia" Opens its Doors to ISN Members for First Social

On July 21, 2022, The Latin American and Hispanic ISN hosted their first in-person social event. This could have not been possible with the support of Colombian Chef and Small Business Owner, Diana Arizala, who opened the doors of her restaurant to host this important event.

Members of the ISN had the opportunity to discuss key initiatives they will be undertaking to support fellow members at TPS and to connect with Latin American and Hispanic communities and organizations in Toronto and the GTA.

Members' interest and engagement highlighted the importance of Internal Support Networks at the Toronto Police Service, to create a positive and inclusive workplace culture. The ISN is here to amplify diverse voices, strengthen social connections, and increase equitable opportunities.

The benefits of joining? Networking and learning from others, gaining access to career and professional development opportunities, and having a more fulfilling and inclusive experience at work.

Welcome to Canada

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 18:43:55 GMT

Welcome to Canada

Toronto Police Service’s Latin-American and Hispanic Internal Support Network partnered with Niagara Regional Police Service in creating a “Welcome to Canada” video in Spanish. This project is an initiative of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) supporting the efforts to connect with community members in their native language and l help new Canadians understand Canadian policing.

Police Constable Susana Mussa Duarte, Sergeant Nelson Santizo and Sergeant Sean O’Brien are commended for their contributions to this valuable resource for Spanish-speaking communities.

New Latin American and Hispanic Internal Support Network

Fri, 01 Oct 2021 17:23:43 GMT

With October recognized as Latin American Heritage Month, the Service is excited to announce the launch of the first Latin American and Hispanic Internal Support Network (LAH-ISN).

With more than 200 Spanish-speaking members, the LAH-ISN was created to serve as a forum for members to exchange ideas and information relevant to their experiences as Latino and Hispanic officers and civilian members. Aligned with the Service’s proactive approach to building trust and strengthening relationships with the communities it serves, the group also supports the Service’s diversity and inclusion goals. It does so by fostering an environment and culture that supports the personal and professional development of all members.

The overall objective of the LAH-ISN is to connect members across identities to provide guidance, opportunities for development, networking, and mentorship, while also hosting activities that promote community engagement, cultural awareness and inclusive dialogue.

A/Deputy Chief Myron Demkiw and Inspector Ishmail Musah, Executive Sponsors and supporters of the LAH-ISN, encourage all members to celebrate our Latin American members, who play an instrumental role in the effectiveness of our organization.

“We must embrace our cultural differences as they are strengths and recognize opportunities to do better in our effort to serve the most multi-cultural city in Canada," said Insp. Musah. "To all of the members of Hispanic descent and our Latin American colleagues, all the best and happy celebrations for Latin American Heritage Month.”

Service members of Hispanic heritage, as well as members interested in learning more about the culture, and who would like to be contacted for upcoming events, are welcome to email lahisn@torontopolice.on.ca for more information. The ISN is looking for your ideas, input, and hopefully your involvement at some level.

Members are welcome to contact the following LAH-ISN members for more information: