OTTAWA, October 26, 2005 -- Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women Liza Frulla and Minister of State (Multiculturalism) Raymond Chan today announced the appointment of Dr. Palinder Kamra, of St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, as a part-time member of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF). Dr. Kamra's leadership in multicultural community organizations makes her an excellent choice to promote the elimination of racism, at the national level, with the Canadian Race Relations Foundation, said Minister Frulla. The dedication she has demonstrated to the community through her professional and personal involvement will be of great benefit to the Foundation, said Minister of State Chan.Dr. Kamra, a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the Department of Pediatrics of Memorial University in St. John's. She is a member of the Canadian Allergy and Immunology Association, the Canadian Pediatrics Society, the Atlantic Lung Association, the Asthma Committee of the Janeway Child Health Centre, and the Latex Allergy Committee of Health Sciences.Dr. Kamra was the first female President of the Friends of India Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (1999–2000) and was President of the Newfoundland Sikh Association from 1992 to 1993. She currently serves as Vice-President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Multicultural Association. She is also Treasurer of the Celiac Association of Canada and a member of the Women in Pediatrics Association.The Canadian Race Relations Foundation undertakes research, collects data, and develops a national information base to further understanding of the nature of racism and racial discrimination. It provides a knowledge base from which governments, academia, business, labour, and community organizations can draw for the development of effective race relations policies and practices. The Foundation also disseminates information to increase public awareness of the importance of eliminating racism.Information:Jean-François Del TorchioPress SecretaryOffice of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women(819) 997-7788Roy Bornmann Office of the Minister of State (Multiculturalism)(819) 997-9900
