November 18, 2014 — Ottawa — Today Jason Kenney, Minister for Multiculturalism, delivered opening remarks at the Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF) Awards of Excellence dinner, where he reflected on his experiences as Minister responsible for Multiculturalism since 2007 and congratulated six award winning organizations for their efforts at promoting unity in diversity.
The CRRF awards are being formally presented at the Our Canada Symposium and Awards of Excellence event. These awards pay tribute to individuals, communities, non-governmental organizations as well as private sector enterprises whose efforts promote an understanding of Canadian values and identity and reinforce positive approaches to Canadian pluralism.
As highlighted by Minister Kenney, the Symposium represents an excellent opportunity to both recognize the achievements of individuals as well as organizations working to settle new Canadians and to gather experts to discuss how we address modern challenges with a view to preserving Canada’s unity in diversity into the future.
The CRRF—which was created with a $24 million endowment from the Government of Canada—strives to help Canadians combat racism and racial discrimination. It also provides a knowledge base from which public, private and voluntary organizations can draw on to develop effective policies and practices.
“Canada’s approach to pluralism promotes the full participation of Canadians from diverse ethnic and faith backgrounds in all aspects of Canadian life. The Canadian Race Relations Foundation has been contributing constructively to this effort by addressing the challenges facing integration, such as youth radicalization, while promoting Canadian values of freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.”
Jason Kenney, Minister for Multiculturalism
Alexandra Fortier
Minister’s Office—Minister Kenney
819-994-2482
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-1650
CIC-Media-Relations@cic.gc.ca
Building a stronger Canada: Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) strengthens Canada’s economic, social and cultural prosperity, helping ensure Canadian safety and security while managing one of the largest and most generous immigration programs in the world.
