Call for Nominations for Paul Yuzyk Award for Multiculturalism

Ottawa (Government Press Release) - Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney on January 26 launched a public service announcement (PSA) to call for nominations for the Paul Yuzyk Award for Multiculturalism. The goal of the PSA is to raise awareness about the award. It asks Canadians to look at those around them – colleagues, friends, volunteers and community leaders – and recognize deserving individuals who have made important contributions to multiculturalism and diversity. The PSA will be sent to community and cultural television stations to be aired at their discretion. It will also be posted on Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s (CIC) YouTube channel to expand its reach over the Internet. In addition, CIC is launching a print advertising campaign about the award in ethnic, community and special media publications that focus on multiculturalism.

The Paul Yuzyk Award commemorates the late Senator Yuzyk’s pioneering legacy establishing multiculturalism as one of the fundamental characteristics of Canadian identity. “Paul Yuzyk was a key figure in telling the story of Canadians of Ukrainian origin and in encouraging Canadians to learn how various cultures have contributed to the strength of this country,” said Minister Kenney. “The award named in his honour acknowledges people who have demonstrated a dedication to the advancement of diversity, multiculturalism and the integration of new Canadians into Canadian society.”

Individuals from communities across Canada can be nominated for the award in one of two categories: Lifetime Achievement or Outstanding Achievement. The Lifetime Achievement category honours an individual who has demonstrated life-long dedication to the promotion of a strong multicultural society in Canada, while the Outstanding Achievement recognizes an individual or a group that has made a significant contribution to Canadian multiculturalism for at least one year within the last five years.

The winner will receive a certificate of honour signed by the Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism at an awards ceremony in June 2010. In addition, he or she will choose an eligible, registered, not-for-profit Canadian organization or association to receive a $20,000 grant.

Nominations for the 2010 Paul Yuzyk Award for Multiculturalism are currently being accepted until March 1, 2010. The award is open to all Canadians citizens and permanent residents.

To learn more about nominating an individual or a group for the award, please visit www.cic.gc.ca/paulyuzyk  or call 1-888-77MULTI (1-888-776-8584).

To view the public service announcement, go to www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7gmQ4xy_m4.