Toronto - August 12, 2010: The CRRF is deeply concerned about two racist incidents, which were reported earlier this week in two distinct parts of Canada. In Saint John, Newfoundland, a racial slur was scrawled on a car. Two weeks earlier in the same part of the city, a swastika was spray-painted on a church community center and another car. In Richmond, B.C, two youths spray-painted racist graffiti in the stairway of a Chinese market at the Richmond Public Market on the week-end. The Richmond RCMP quickly arrested an 18-year-old and 16-year old male, who now face mischief charges.

The Canadian Race Relations Foundation regrets the passing of John Yaremko, first recipient (2009) of the Paul Yuzyk Award for Multiculturalism, which was established by Citizenship and Immigration Canada to recognize individuals from communities across Canada who have achieved excellence in promoting multiculturalism so that all citizens can take pride in their ancestry and have a sense of belonging in Canada.

Throughout his life, John Yaremko demonstrated a strong commitment for social justice. As Minister, he was instrumental in shaping a legislation which improved the welfare of persons with physical or development disabilities, the aged, the poor, and ethnic and cultural minorities. He supported the aspirations of all Canadians, regardless of their ethnic, racial, linguistic or religious background.