OTTAWA, November 4, 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 Sharad Chandra, of Winnipeg, Manitoba, to the board of directors of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF). I believe that Mr. Chandra's involvement in major ethno-cultural organizations and his extensive experience as an educator will make him an excellent member of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation's board of directors, said Minister Frulla. The dedication that Mr. Chandra has demonstrated in his profession and in community service is commendable. I am confident that he will demonstrate an equally impressive commitment to the work of the Foundation, said Minister of State Chan.Mr. Chandra was Business/Resource Coordinator for the Manitoba School System from 1982 to 1990. From 1974 to 1981, he was Assistant Professor of Political Science and Educational Psychology at the University of Brandon, Manitoba. He taught at several institutions in India, the United Kingdom, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba from 1961 to 1978. He served as president of the Manitoba Education Resource Centre in 1988, and vice-president of the Manitoba Association for the Promotion of Ancestral Languages from 1985 to 1986.Mr. Chandra served as president of the National Indo-Canadian Council from 1993 to 1996 and as president of the World Hindu Organization from 1986 to 1987. From 1981 to 1987, he was a TV Program director/producer for a community channel that promotes culture and cross-cultural issues. He was founder/director of the India School of Dance, Music and Theatre from 1964 to 1986.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 BornmannOffice of the Minister of State(Multiculturalism)(819) 997-9900
