Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is making important changes to the Paul Yuzyk Award for Multiculturalism that will allow a wider range of Canadians to be recognized for their work in multiculturalism.

Currently, each year, one award is given for either Lifetime Achievement or Outstanding Achievement. Award recipients receive a certificate signed by the Minister for Multiculturalism and are asked to nominate a registered not-for-profit Canadian organization or association to receive a grant of $20,000.

Under the new format, CIC is adding two new award categories for a total of three award categories:

Youth

Candidates in this category must be Canadian citizens aged 15 to 24 at the time of nomination, who are emerging leaders in their school or community and who have worked for at least one year within the past three years to promote a welcoming and inclusive multicultural society in Canada.

Organization

Candidates in this category must be Canadian organizations that have been active contributors in, and/or have developed innovative approaches to, advancing Canadian multiculturalism over a period of at least three years. Organizations can include registered or legally recognized groups such as non-governmental organizations, social enterprises, for-profit businesses, not-for-profit organizations or associations, foundations and registered charities.

Lifetime Achievement/Outstanding Achievement

Candidates in both categories must be Canadian citizens who are 25 years or older at the time of nomination.

Lifetime Achievement—Candidates in this category must have demonstrated ongoing dedication to promoting a strong multicultural society in Canada over a period of at least 10 years.

Outstanding Achievement—Candidates in this category may be an individual or group of individuals who have made a significant contribution to Canadian multiculturalism for at least one year within the past five years.

Starting with the 2015 Paul Yuzyk Award, one recipient will be awarded in each of the three categories. Each award recipient will receive a grant to be directed to a registered not-for-profit Canadian organization of their choice.