November 17, 2014 — Ottawa —Today, Canada’s Citizenship and Immigration Minister, Chris Alexander, gave the opening address at the Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF) Symposium, where he recognized participants’ efforts in building a better and more inclusive Canadian society.
Alexander reflected on how communities, individuals and organizations all play a role in helping immigrants integrate; learn about our shared history, values, and responsibilities; and work toward a common future.
The symposium, entitled Our Canada: Building on Citizenship, Building for Citizenship, will feature hundreds of delegates, who will discuss and examine various issues related to multiculturalism and contribute to a roadmap for building Canada’s future.
The CRRF strives to help Canadians combat racial discrimination. It also provides a knowledge base from which public, private and voluntary organizations can draw to develop effective policies and practices that respect diversity and promote inclusive citizenship.
Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) supports the work of organizations like the CRRF so that all Canadians can enjoy the rights and privileges of citizenship and contribute to Canada’s economic and social prosperity.
Quick facts
- The CRRF was created with a $24 million endowment from the Government of Canada.
- The work completed and the knowledge shared at the symposium will contribute to a report that will serve as a benchmark for future best practices in race relations.
Quotes
“Our diversity is one of the great strengths of our country, and one of the ways in which Canada serves as a great inspiration to so many people around the world who wish to come here and make better lives for themselves and their families. Our government is working to ensure newcomers have the tools they need to successfully integrate and fully contribute to their communities and Canadian society.”
Chris Alexander, Canada’s Citizenship and Immigration Minister
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Photos of Minister Alexander available at: www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/photos/index.asp
Contacts
Kevin Menard
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
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.
