Ottawa, November 25, 2013 —

Jason Kenney, Minister for Multiculturalism, today invited Canadians to submit nominations for the sixth annual Paul Yuzyk Award for Multiculturalism.

“Canada’s pluralism is a big part of what makes our country great, and it’s important that we continue to strengthen and promote it,” said Minister Kenney. “That is why, through the Paul Yuzyk Award for Multiculturalism, we recognize those who have shown dedication to fostering integration and social cohesion in communities across Canada. I encourage all Canadians to nominate a friend, colleague or volunteer worker who makes outstanding efforts to build a stronger country.”

The award commemorates the legacy of the late Senator Paul Yuzyk, who 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 father of multiculturalism for his early role in achieving policy recognition for the “third force” of Canadian society; that is, those who were of neither British nor French descent.

One award is granted annually to an individual or a group who demonstrates dedication to advancing intercultural understanding and the integration of newcomers into Canadian society. Individuals are nominated in one of two categories: Outstanding Achievement or Lifetime Achievement.

The Outstanding Achievement category recognizes an individual or group who has recently made a significant contribution to promote and embrace Canada’s long tradition of peaceful pluralism. The Lifetime Achievement category honours an individual who has demonstrated the same dedication over a period of at least ten years.

The award recipient receives a certificate of honour, signed by the Minister, as well as the privilege to select an eligible, registered, not-for-profit Canadian organization to receive a $20,000 grant from the Government of Canada. The 2013 Paul Yuzyk Award recipient for Outstanding Achievement, Mr. Bashir Ahmed of Edmonton, Alberta, selected the Somali Canadian Education and Rural Development Organization to receive the federal grant.

By:IANS