Montrealers ring in the Lunar New Year

Montrealers, including community leader and president of Montreal Chinatown’s China Association, Jimmy Chan, are ushering in the Lunar New Year with the first ever association gala to occur on Montreal’s West Island.

“Canada is a mix of multicultural people from different backgrounds. In order for everyone to appreciate and to respect other people’s culture, we have to organize for things like that,” Chan said.

Many took the celebration as an opportunity to reflect on what is most important.

“Family. That’s the main point for me. Being together. No family, you’re nothing,” said gala co-chair and business owner, Sandy Trinh.

“We bring this culture to the Canadians – let them know that we here wish them prosperity, to let them know about our culture,” added Tim, a real estate broker in the community.

Chan is also eager to be launching a new Chinese community television program in partnership with ICI Television. 

“I created the Chinese community TV program named ‘Fortune Cookies Production,’ which is more than a TV program. It is a platform to showcase our culture, history, and the vibrant activities in and outside around Chinatown,” Chan told CityNews.

Chan, who is set to lead the show, says he is proud, having dedicated his life to promoting and preserving Chinese heritage in Montreal and Canada. 

After being approached by ICI Television to lead a TV program in 2019, he signed the contract in September 2023.   

“I have been honored with the trust and encouragement our community has given to me on this project,” he says.

Each week, “the new program will bring interviews and stories as a statement of our commitment to cultural preservation and community engagement,” he added.