TORONTO, Jan. 21, 2018 /CNW/ - On the occasion of Lincoln Alexander Day, Albert Lo, chairperson of the CRRF Board, made the following statement:
"We recall with gratitude and appreciation the many contributions made to Canada by the late Lincoln Alexander. In a lifetime that spanned nine decades, Mr. Alexander served his country in many roles. He was a soldier during the Second World War and went on to complete his education, achieving first a BA in economics and history from McMaster University and later, in 1946, a law degree from Osgoode Hall.
Over the next 66 years, Lincoln Alexander blazed a trail that others would be hard-pressed to follow. He was the first black Member of Parliament in the House of Commons, the first black federal Cabinet Minister, the first black chair of the Worker's Compensation Board and the first black Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. He was chancellor of the University of Guelph and a governor of the Canadian Unity Council. In 1997, he became the first chair of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation.
On this day, we recall Lincoln Alexander's passion and courage, his refusal to accept the discrimination that he saw around him and his belief in the dignity and equality of every person. We are honoured to continue his legacy through the work of the CRRF. We are pleased to announce that, via our new project, Canada Beyond 150: A Promise to Our Children, we will be able to develop new programs to educate Canadians on topics related to racism and discrimination and to create opportunities to bring communities together to create a more inclusive Canada." This project has been made possible in part by the Government of Canada.
About the Canadian Race Relations Foundation
The Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF) is a Crown Corporation dedicated to working towards the elimination of racism and all forms of racial discrimination. Its mission is to advance Canadian identity in the pursuit of positive race relations, equity, fairness, social harmony and dignity for all Canadians. The CRRF does this by providing independent, outspoken national leadership, informing national policies and public conversation, and acting as a resource and facilitator.
SOURCE Canadian Race Relations Foundation
Rubin Friedman, Spokesperson, (647) 403-8526
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