The Canadian Race Relations Foundation and the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) are pleased to announce the hosting of experts round-table discussion on “Enhancing the Role of Municipalities against Racism”. The round-table discussion will take place at York University, Toronto on Thursday, January 28, 2010.

The round-table will provide a unique forum for experts and stakeholders to discuss and recommend policies, programs and strategies on antiracism within local and municipal governments. It is part of a larger process aimed at creating a hands-on ‘Best Practices’ manual for municipalities to counter racism through practical and attainable tools, and will be complementary to the objectives of the Canadian Coalition of Municipalities Against Racism and Discrimination (CCMARD).

Launched by the Canadian Commission for UNESCO, CCMARD helps broaden and strengthen our society’s ability to protect and promote human rights and equity through shared responsibility among local governments, civil society and democratic institutions.

The program entails two rounds of working sessions (morning and afternoon) and will evolve around CCMARD’s ten commitments. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss challenges and strategies in the design and delivery of equitable municipal government services, and will engage in crafting feasible anti-racism/anti-discrimination policy recommendations within their expert groups/working sessions.

The Canadian Race Relations continues its strong commitment to the strengthening of CCMARD as we believe in the vital role municipalities play in the elimination of racism and racial discrimination.

For further information, please contact:

Aren Sarikyan, Project Associate:416-952-8360

Dominique Etienne, Social Development,Communications: 416952-8171