St. John’s, Newfoundland, May 23, 2012 — Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney today named Bridget Foster of St. John’s, Newfoundland, as the recipient of the 2012 Paul Yuzyk Award for Multiculturalism.
“Bridget Foster has worked tirelessly for more than thirty years in St. John’s, building welcoming communities and successfully integrating newcomers to Newfoundland,” 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. Ms. Foster 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. “Ms. Foster’s lifetime of achievement builds on that legacy.”
An immigrant herself, Ms. Foster arrived in Newfoundland in 1978. She began working as a volunteer with Friends of Refugees where she would soon become its Executive Director. That organization became the Association of New Canadians and under her leadership has grown to employ 50 staff and a volunteer network of 150 individuals all dedicated to the service of newcomers across the province. Ms. Foster embodies the ambition of building welcoming communities and promoting intercultural understanding. Her life’s work has been a benefit to all Newfoundlanders.
Ms. Foster, the fourth recipient of the award, was selected from 70 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 Ms. Foster. The announcement of her choice will come at a later date.
Senator Yuzyk was a member of the Senate of Canada from February 1963 to July 1986 and played a key role in the development of Canadian multiculturalism policy. He has been called the architect of multiculturalism for his early role in achieving policy recognition for the “third force” of Canadian society, i.e. those who were of neither British nor French descent.
Additional information about the Paul Yuzyk Award for Multiculturalismor other Citizenship and Immigration Canada programs to support multiculturalism is available at www.cic.gc.ca.
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Photo of Minister Kenney will be available later today at:
www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/photos/high-res/index.asp.
For further information (media only), please contact:
Ana Curic
Minister’s Office
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-954-1064
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-1650
CIC-Media-Relations@cic.gc.ca
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