Grand Rapids Sister Cities International is officially proposing a new partnership with Vaughan, Ontario.
The Grand Rapids City Commission is scheduled to vote on the proposal on Tuesday.
This would mark a significant expansion of Grand Rapids’ international network into Canada.
Vaughan is noted as one of the country's fasted growing cities with strong potential for economic and cultural ties.
The goal of the sister cities program is to foster “citizen diplomacy” through cross-border economic collaboration, cultural exchange and volunteer-led programs.
The partnership is designed to create a bridge for local businesses and residents to develop and sustain relationships over the long term.
Grand Rapids currently has six sister cities, one each in Japan, Poland, Ghana, South Korea, Italy and Mexico.
The concept was first introduced by President Eisenhower after World War II.
The main purpose of the program is to get know and understand people from other countries, creating relationships through the exchange of culture, education, business and humanitarian efforts.
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