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TORONTO CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

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Q: What is the Toronto Caribbean Carnival?

A: The Toronto Caribbean Carnival began 57 years ago as a gift of love from the Caribbean community to Canada, in honour of the country's Centennial. It is managed by the Festival Management Committee whose mandate is to promote Caribbean arts and culture through the production of various events and programs.

The Toronto Carnival has evolved into the largest cultural festival in North America. Today, the Toronto Carnival is a vital economic force, contributing $467 million to Canada’s GDP and generating $182.7 million in tax revenue for federal, provincial, and municipal governments. The festival supports over 3,000 small businesses and creates more than 3,341 jobs, reflecting Canada’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

 

Q: What is the FMC’s call to action for government support?
A: The FMC is urging the government at all levels to increase its investment in the Carnival. The current funding of under $1 million is insufficient to sustain the festival, which costs over $3 million to produce. The FMC is calling on the government to invest in the Carnival’s future by providing emergency funding and multi-year support.

 

Q: Why is the Carnival so expensive to put on?
A: The Carnival is a month-long festival comprising over ten discrete events including the launch event, the Jr. Parade and Jr. King and Queen Showcase, the King and Queen Showcase, OCPA Calypso Showcase, Panorama - Keeping Pan Alive and the Grand Parade. The costs to produce the Toronto Caribbean Carnival have skyrocketed due to inflation, rising production costs, and the size of the events. The month-long festival requires significant investment in security, staffing, venue rentals, production, and logistics. For example:

  • Security costs have increased by 300%

  • Venue rental fees have surged by 220%.

  • Labour costs have gone up by 45%, and production costs have risen by 35%

These increases are essential to maintaining the safety, quality, and scale of the festival, which draws over 2 million visitors annually.

What has the FMC been doing to address the lack of funding? The Festival Management Committee (FMC) has been working tirelessly to manage the financial challenges facing the Carnival. Some of the key measures they have implemented include:

  • Consolidating events into one centralized venue at Exhibition Place to reduce logistical expenses.

  • Reduced certain production costs by 10% in both 2023 and 2024.

  • Adjusting ticket prices for certain events to boost revenue.

  • Increasing private sector sponsorships and forming strategic partnerships with businesses and community organizations.

  • Launching a public education campaign and a public petition to rally community support for increased government funding.

  • Lobbying at the provincial level to advocate for additional funding and long-term sustainability.

Despite these efforts, the festival remains severely underfunded, receiving less than $1 million in combined support from all levels of government, while the cost to produce the event has reached over $3 million.

 

Q: What other improvements has the FMC been making this past year?

A: The FMC has made several significant improvements this past year, including:

  • Diversifying our Board of Directors to include members from stakeholders’ associations.

  • Initiating provincial lobby day to seek additional funding for the carnival.

  • Conducting a comprehensive cost analysis for all events to ensure efficiency and maximize revenue potential.

  • Expanding our Caribbean marketplace at events.

  • Securing new cross-promotional marketing relationships with key partners.

  • Developing and implementing an education program to reflect our culture in the school system.

  • Initiating international marketing efforts to attract more international attendees.

What are the economic contributions of the Carnival? The Toronto Caribbean Carnival is a vital economic force in Canada, contributing $467 million to Canada’s GDP and generating $182.7 million in tax revenue for all three levels of government. The festival supports over 3,000 small businesses and creates more than 3,341 jobs. It is a symbol of diversity and inclusion, showcasing the cultural heritage of the Caribbean community and enriching Toronto’s cultural landscape.

 

Q: What are the cultural contributions of the Carnival?

A: The Toronto Carnival unequivocally aligns itself with Canadian principles of multiculturalism, diversity, and equity. The Toronto Carnival supports a community that is made up of people who speak multiple languages, people of various races, orientations, and ethnicities. It highlights the artistic talents of our community through the creation and display of costumes, music, dance, and cuisine.

The Toronto Caribbean Carnival is in the main, a labour of love. It is led by the FMC and is curated and created, with the assistance of the extraordinarily talented artistic stakeholders, and supported by thousands of participants and hundreds of volunteers, who begin preparation for the spectacular events a full 12 month in advance. In consultation with its stakeholders, which includes the Bandleaders, Ontario Steelpan Association (OSA), and the Organization of Calypso Performing Artists (OCPA).

 

Q: At a glance, how large is Ontario’s Caribbean community?

A: The Caribbean community comprises of approximately 4% of Ontario’s population, according to 2021 census data.

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Q: How can the public support the Carnival?

A: The FMC has launched a public petition to gather community support for increased government funding. You can join the petition and help ensure the Carnival’s future by adding your name here: [Link to Petition.

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Q: Why should businesses get involved in the TCC?

A: The Toronto Caribbean Carnival is a prime platform for businesses to expand their reach, with 2.3 million attendees and millions more engaging online. It offers a unique opportunity to connect with the diverse and engaged diaspora, driving sales and fostering valuable connections. Businesses participating in the Carnival can benefit from increased visibility and brand recognition.

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Q: How Can Businesses Get Involved?

A: Toronto Carnival is a prime opportunity for Caribbean Business Interest where they can leverage the Festival and gain access to millions of viewers, participants, and other business opportunities. Just give us a call to talk about our sponsorship and partnership options, getting involved in showcases and specialized pop-up, or helping with our community activities.

 

Q: What cultural and educational programs does the FMC offer?

A: The FMC offers several cultural and educational programs, including:

  • Building Black Entrepreneurs Program (BBEP) – Supports Black entrepreneurs in business development and job creation.

  • Carnival Arts Initiative with the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) – Introduces carnival arts and cultural education to students.

  • Young Leaders Program – Encourages youth involvement in leadership roles in business and politics.

  • Schulich Business Excellence Academy – A partnership with Schulich School of Business to provide business education and mentorship to under-represented students.

  • Young Learners Program with Toronto Football Club: This initiative supports the educational and athletic development of over 1,000 students, enhancing their academic performance and physical well-being. It includes mentorship and activities designed to foster growth and development in young learners.

  • Young Leaders Program: A new FMC program led by young people to encourage their peers to get involved in leadership roles in business, politics (for all political parties), and cultural and community organizations.

  • Caribbean Community Advocacy Network: To ensure continued advocacy for greater support for Caribbean and black interests the FMC also promotes socio-political (non-partisian), cultural, and economic advocacy for the Caribbean community at all levels of government. The aim is to amplify the voice of Caribbean interests, ensuring that our concerns are heard and addressed by policymakers.
     

You can contact our Education department by emailing education@torontocarnival.ca

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