September 19 , 2006 The Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women, today announced the appointment of Dr. Ayman Al-Yassini, of Saint Laurent, Quebec, as executive director of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation.
"Dr. Al-Yassini has proven leadership skills, which I am certain will enable the Foundation to move forward in its mission to help eliminate all forms of racism in Canada," said Minister Oda.
Dr. Al-Yassini holds a PhD in Political Science with a specialization in International Relations and Politics of Developing Areas. From 1994 to 2005, he served as coordinating member and special advisor to the deputy chair of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada. From 1992 to 1994, he was director of international trade and executive director of the Asia-Pacific Business Councils within the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. He was executive director of the Social Science Federation of Canada from 1990 to 1992.
Dr. Al-Yassini also served as director of policy and corporate affairs with the World University Service of Canada, from 1988 to 1990, and as director of public affairs and program development for the Canadian Bureau for International Education, from 1984 to 1988.
The Canadian Race Relations Foundation undertakes research, collects data, and develops a national information base to further an 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. For more information on the Foundation and its Board of Directors, visit its website at http://www.crr.ca
Information:
Véronique Bruneau
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of
Canadian Heritage
and Status of Women
819 997-7788
