In a recent episode of Leading by Association, Arundati Dandapani, CEO and Founder of Generation1.ca, spoke with Ali Demircan, President of the Federation of Canadian Turkish Associations, about trauma, community leadership, and what real recovery requires. A survivor of the 2018 Danforth shooting, a longtime immigrant who first came to Canada as a student and built his life across borders, and now a leading advocate for Turkish families affected by the 2023 earthquake, Ali offered a powerful reminder: crisis does not end when public attention does.
One of the clearest messages from the episode was that trauma outlasts headlines. While media attention fades, affected families continue rebuilding emotionally, financially and socially. Ali spoke about public safety not only as prevention and response, but as long-term recovery supported by community, trust, and systems that do not disappear when urgency does.
That insight shaped how he and the Federation responded after the earthquake in Türkiye and Syria. With associations across Canada mobilizing quickly, the community helped coordinate donations, support families, and connect people to resources during a time of enormous fear and uncertainty. His account was a reminder that diaspora organizations are often among the most trusted first responders in moments of disruption.
Ali also spoke candidly about Turkish families who came to Canada through post-earthquake temporary measures and now face expiring permits. Many are no longer simply “temporary.” They are working, paying taxes, raising children in school, and rebuilding their lives in Canada. Yet they remain stuck in uncertainty. His point was both humane and urgent: these families arrived through disaster, not through a conventional immigration process they had years to prepare for, and policy must reflect that reality.
“Strong communities are not built by deciding who deserves support. They are built by ensuring that no one is left without it. And if we can hold on that principle across cultures and the backgrounds, we do not just respond to crisis better. We build a stronger and more humane society forever.”
Ali Demircan, President, Canadian Federation of Turkish Associations
For Generation1.ca, that message resonates deeply. Immigrant inclusion is not just about paperwork or labour market entry. It is about dignity, belonging, and whether institutions are capable of seeing people in the fullness of their lived realities. Ali’s leadership philosophy was equally compelling. To lead by association, he said, is not to speak for people, but to bring them together. It is about coordination, trust, and building bridges between communities, institutions, and the truth on the ground. His closing message to Generation1.ca members, Turkish and non-Turkish alike, captured the spirit of the episode best: solidarity is not something we practice only when it is easy. Strong communities are built by making sure no one is left without support.
To continue that spirit of connection and possibility, come joinGeneration1.ca’s Spring edition Career Fair and Case Competition and meet the people, employers and community leaders helping shape more inclusive futures in real time. You can also read more about and sign up for Ali Demircan’s petition to renew the permits of temporary and displaced workers in Canada here.
Watch the full episode below.
About our Guest: Ali Demircan is the President of the Federation of Canadian Turkish Associations, a national umbrella organization representing Turkish Canadian community groups across Canada. He is a community leader and advocate with a strong focus on public policy, social cohesion, and community development. A survivor of the Danforth shooting in Toronto, Ali has been actively involved in advocacy efforts related to public safety and gun violence prevention. He is the co-founder of Danforth Families for Safe Communities, where he has worked closely with affected families to advance meaningful policy discussions and community support initiatives. In recognition of his contributions to community service and advocacy, Ali Demircan has been awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal. Through his leadership, he continues to work on issues related to immigration policy, integration, and the well-being of diverse communities across Canada.
