Starting this year, candidates may be nominated in one of three categories

Ottawa—Canadians are invited to submit nominations for the seventh-annual Paul Yuzyk Award for Multiculturalism, Jason Kenney, Minister for Multiculturalism, announced recently.

New this year, candidates may now be nominated in one of three categories: Youth, Organization (Private or Non-profit), or Lifetime Achievement/Outstanding Achievement. One recipient can be chosen in each of the three categories.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada added new categories for youth and organizations, to allow for the recognition of a wider range of Canadians. With these changes, youth aged 15 to 24 who have contributed to the success of Canada’s pluralism can now be nominated. In addition, Canadian businesses and other organizations may also be nominated for their contributions to multiculturalism.

These two new award categories are in addition to the Lifetime Achievement/Outstanding Achievement category, which has been awarded annually since 2009. The Outstanding Achievement category recognizes an individual or group that has recently made a significant contribution to promoting and embracing Canada’s long tradition of peaceful pluralism. The Lifetime Achievement category honours an individual who has demonstrated the same dedication over a period of at least ten years.

Each award recipient will receive a $10,000 grant to be directed to a registered not-for-profit Canadian organization of their choice.

The deadline for 2015 Paul Yuzyk Award for Multiculturalism nominations is March 31, 2015. All entries must be postmarked by that date to be considered for the 2015 award. Late entries will not be considered.

Quick facts

• The Award commemorates the legacy of the late Senator Paul Yuzyk who was a member of the Senate of Canada from February 1963 to July 1986 and played a key role in the development of Canadian multiculturalism policy.
• Senator Yuzyk has been called the “father of multiculturalism.”
• In October 2014, “Tatay” Tomas Avendaño received the 2014 Paul Yuzyk Award for Multiculturalism in the Lifetime Achievement category. Mr. Avendaño was chosen for his contributions in founding and running the Multicultural Helping House Society.

Quote

“Canada’s success as a peaceful and pluralistic country is thanks in no small part to Canadians who dedicate their time and energy to improving their communities. The government has expanded the scope of the Paul Yuzyk Award to include two new groups – youth and organizations – to ensure that we recognize the broad range of efforts made across the country to strengthen our unity in diversity. I encourage all Canadians to consider nominating a friend or colleague for this year’s Paul Yuzyk Award.”

Jason Kenney, Minister for Multiculturalism