TORONTO, June 30, 2014 /CNW/ - As we celebrate Canada's 147th birthday, the Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF) urges all Canadians to consider how we can each contribute to building bridges amongst Canadians.
"While Canada is internationally recognized for its diversity and multiculturalism, Canada Day affords us the opportunity to commit to an exploration of Canadian values, what it means to be Canadian and the mutuality of both the rights and responsibilities of good citizenship", stated CRRF Chairperson, Albert Lo.
The CRRF and Association for Canadian Studies (ACS) recently released a survey on Religious Diversity, Racism and Intergroup Relations. The results indicate that the CRRF's role in bringing people together in dialogue continues to be crucial.
Rubin Friedman, a spokesperson for the Foundation, notes that "the survey shows relatively high levels of attachment to Canada and its values; however, our own research on attitudes shows continuing negative attitudes toward members of different religions and cultural identities, not only from the majority towards others but from minority groups towards others."
"As we raise our flags with a spirit of pride in our Canadian identity, we must also reflect on the fact that we each have responsibilities as well – to contribute towards ensuring that the values and ideals we have worked so long to entrench, remain a vital foundation for, and tribute to, our great nation. In the year ahead, CRRF will be unfolding new programming that will offer just such opportunities," added the CRRF's Executive Director, Anita Bromberg.
The Foundation's current programmes and new three-year initiative, "Our Canada", are dedicated to furthering Canadians' understanding of and respect for those elements which nurture a sense of belonging to, and engagement with, Canada, through grass roots discussions, round tables, and larger events. The initiatives will culminate in the historic opportunity to celebrate them as part of Canada's Sesquicentennial in 2017.
Survey: Religion, Racism and Intergroup Relations
http://bit.ly/2014_CPN_Survey
SOURCE: Canadian Race Relations Foundation
CRRF Executive Director: Anita Bromberg, [email protected], 416-508-9033; CRRF Spokesperson: Rubin Friedman, [email protected], 647-403-8526
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