Canadian Race Relations Foundation

CRRF's 2012 Award of Excellence & Symposium a Success!

The Canadian Race Relations Foundation held its 7th Award of Excellence (AoE) program at The Westin Nova Scotian in Halifax on October 17-19, 2012. More than 200 participants from across Canada attended this biennial national event, represented by a broad spectrum of public, government, not-for-profit and private organizations.

A major component of the AoE is the Awards ceremony and symposium. These events provide a vibrant platform for stakeholders to present and exchange best practices in anti-racism, and to highlight the achievements of organizations committed to and working towards the elimination of racism and racial discrimination in Canada 

The theme for this year's symposium was "Race, Faith, and Belonging: Strengthening Citizenship Engagement in Canada." The opening plenary included, among others, Halifax Deputy Mayor Bill Karsten, Hon. Ramona Jennex – Minister of Education, Nova Scotia and Hon. Percy A. Paris – Minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs, and Minister of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism.

A broad range of key issues were addressed in the workshops and plenaries: comparative perspectives on inclusive education strategies; policing and cultural competencies; treaty rights and aboriginal citizenship; multiculturalism, faith and competing human rights; African Canadians, racial justice and citizenship; employment and belonging; best practices in youth dialogue and civic engagement. The presenters included some of Canada's foremost experts representing the government at all levels, police, community, academic and research institutions, ethno-cultural and faith-based groups.

The Awards Ceremony was held on October 18 at The Westin Nova Scotian. This component serves to recognize public, private, and voluntary organizations whose efforts represent excellence and innovation in race relations and anti-racism practice in Canada.

Six winners and five honourable mentions were selected by the Jury in the following categories: Aboriginal, Community, Corporate, Education, Government and Youth.

2012 Award of Excellence Winners and Honourable Mentions

The Jury, chaired by the CRRF Co-Chair Toni Silberman, received over thirty nominations from across the country. The panel found it a demanding task to select the finalists from the sheer number of highly qualified submissions. Other members on the Jury panel included Madeline Ziniak – National Vice-President at OMNI Television, Cheryl May – Executive Director at Skills for Change, as well as Christine Williams and Rubin Friedman, CRRF Board Members.

The ceremony also included entertaining performances by Bhowesa Nkazana (translated You Go Girl) from Zimbabwe who awed the audience with their energy and talent. The Awards were presented by Dr. Ayman Al-Yassini, former CRFF Executive Director, and Madeleine Ziniak.

The 2012 Award of Excellence & Symposium would not have been possible without the generous support of its partners and sponsors:

• Citizenship and Immigration Canada

• The Inspirit Foundation

• RBC Dominion Securities

• The James Robinson Johnston Chair, Dalhousie University

• Atlantic Metropolis Centre

• Multicultural Association of Nova Scotia

• Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission

• Canadian Commission for UNESCO

• Canadian Coalition of Municipalities Against Racism and Discrimination

• Interfaith and Belonging

• OMNI Television

Available publication, reports, photos from the Award

1. Best Practices Reader
2. Program Book
3. Award of Excellence Winners and Honorable Mention
4. Photos