TORONTO, Aug. 14, 2015 /CNW/ - The Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF) extends its congratulations to the three recipients of this year's Paul Yuzyk Award for Multiculturalism. Now in its seventh year, the Award recognizes individuals, groups of individuals and organizations in communities across Canada who have made exceptional contributions to multiculturalism, diversity and the integration of newcomers. The CRRF is proud to partner with Citizenship and Immigration Canada to celebrate the award winners' achievements.
The Award commemorates the late Senator Paul Yuzyk's pioneering role in the development of Canadian multiculturalism in the 1960s. Senator Yuzyk's legacy carries on as we celebrate multiculturalism as one of the primary characteristics of Canadian identity. The Paul Yuzyk Award for Multiculturalism was expanded this year to recognize one individual or group in three separate categories: Youth, Organization (Private or Non-profit), and Lifetime Achievement or Outstanding Achievement.
This year's first ever Youth recipient, Ms. Priya Saha, helped young newcomers adjust to life in Canada through the Newcomer Orientation Week (NOW) Program at her school. The 2015 Organizational recipient, the Canadian Ethnocultural Council (CEC), is a coalition of not-for-profit organizations supporting efforts to further the economic, social and cultural integration of new Canadians. Finally, this year's Lifetime Achievement recipient, Dr. Jawahar (Jay) Kalra, was recognized for his 25 years of work alongside leaders and members of Aboriginal, newcomer and other communities to promote cooperation and understanding among all ethnic groups.
Albert Lo, Chairperson of the CRRF stated, "We extend our congratulations to this year's award recipients. Each has made a significant contribution to strengthening Canadian values and social cohesion. The Canadian Race Relations Foundation's 2014 Report on Canadian Values (LINK) revealed that Canadians value multiculturalism and view it as a positive force in our society. As we continue to grapple with issues related to multiculturalism, diversity and integration, it is important that we recognize and honour those individuals and groups in our community who make exceptional contributions to fostering inclusion and harmonious relations in Canada."
SOURCE Canadian Race Relations Foundation
Media Contact: Anita Bromberg, CRRF Executive Director, 416-508-9033
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