Ottawa, June 27, 2011 — Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney today named Mrs. Baljit Sethi of Prince George, British Columbia, as the recipient of the 2011 Paul Yuzyk Award for Multiculturalism.
Mrs. Sethi has played an important role in supporting diversity in Prince George and helping newcomers to the city and region,” said Minister Kenney. “I am happy to announce her as the winner of this year’s Paul Yuzyk Award for Multiculturalism.”
The award is bestowed annually on an individual or a group who demonstrates dedication to advancing diversity, multiculturalism and the integration of newcomers into Canadian society. Individuals are nominated in one of two categories: Outstanding Achievement or Lifetime Achievement. Mrs. Sethi was recognized in the Lifetime Achievement category.
“Senator Yuzyk’s efforts to establish multiculturalism as a fundamental characteristic of Canadian identity left a valuable legacy for this country,” added Minister Kenney. “Highlighting the work of people such as Mrs. Sethi commemorates that legacy.”
In 1976, Mrs. Sethi established what would become the Immigrant and Multicultural Services Society, of which she is Executive Director, in Prince George. She is also past Chairperson of the Western Canadian Association of Immigrants and a former member of the Intercultural Society for the City of Prince George, and has worked on numerous other initiatives to help immigrants and refugees in Prince George.
Mrs. Sethi, the third recipient of the award, was selected from 61 nominations that Citizenship and Immigration Canada received from across Canada. As the winner, she receives a certificate of honour signed by the Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism. In addition, a grant of $20,000 will be directed to an eligible, registered, not-for-profit Canadian organization or association chosen by Mrs. Sethi. The announcement of her choice will come at a later date.
Additional information about the Paul Yuzyk Award for Multiculturalism or other CIC programs to support multiculturalism is available at www.cic.gc.ca/english/multiculturalism/index.asp.
Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/CitImmCanada.
For further information:
Kasra Nejatian
Minister’s Office
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-1650
CIC-Media-Relations@cic.gc.ca
