Join Canada in celebrating the Asian Heritage Month.

Phase 2 Launched

A Joint Program of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation and Anima Leadership

Toronto – April 17, 2012: The Canadian Race Relations Foundation and Anima Leadership are pleased to announce the launch of the second phase of the Diversity and Equity Leadership Institute for Ontario School System Leaders (DELI-SL), supported by the Ontario Ministry of Education. Due to incredibly positive feedback, the program will continue to provide 2-day training sessions for school system leaders in 9 different locations across Ontario in 2012-2013.

"The training sessions offer a balance between understanding systemic racism, emotional impact, social relationships, processes, and multiple layers of conflict that accompany transformative learning", said Dr. Ayman Al-Yassini, CRRF Executive Director. "We are pleased with our continued cooperation with Anima Leadership as the planned sessions will assist Ontario school system leaders in developing capacity for equity in all areas", Al-Yassini said.

March 21, 2012

As we mark the March 21 Anniversary of international day for the prevention of racial discrimination, Canadians identify the internet as the place where racism and prejudice are most present. Conducted by the firm Leger Marketing for the Association for Canadian Studies and the Canadian Race Relations Foundation, the March 21 survey was done via web panel with 1522 respondents across the country an equivalent phone survey would have a margin of error of 2.9 points 19 times out of 20) When asked to rank six possible sources, the internet is chosen first by some 49% of Canadians well ahead of radio or television which gets ranked second. English Canadians are most likely to rank the internet first, whereas Francophones position radio or television as a stronger second.

Read the survey results

TORONTO, March 20, 2012 /CNW/ - The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination was first proclaimed in 1966 in commemoration of the lives of anti-apartheid demonstrators who were killed in Sharpeville, South Africa.

In marking this day, the Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF) is mindful that racism and racial discrimination are not things of the past. The senseless killing of four Jewish people yesterday in Toulouse and Montauban, France, and the earlier killing of two paratroopers of North African and French Caribbean origin, is a racist act which could happen anywhere as long as we remain silent about racism and anti-Semitism.

"Although the manifestations of racism are still with us, we need to recognize our many accomplishments in removing barriers to foreign credentials, the integration of foreign trained professionals into the work force and the increased awareness of Canadians against racism and racial discrimination", said Ayman Al-Yassini Executive Director of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation. "By affirming our commitment to working together to protect the rights and responsibilities of all members of society we will be able to root out racism and racial discrimination from our midst", Al-Yassini noted.

The round-table will convene a panel of experts to address a range of issues related to 'honour crimes' in their different forms and manifestations, to share information and knowledge on related practices and incidents in Canada, and to discuss underlying cultural, religious and social beliefs and principles that trigger violence within families, and especially against women and girls. The panel will also explore initiatives and strategies to address honour killings and violations of fundamental human rights.

Venue: Ontario Bar Association (Grand Salon) – 200-20 Toronto St., Toronto, ON M5C 2B8

Date & Time: Wednesday, March 28, 2012 – 5:45-7:30 PM

The Canadian Commission for UNESCO is pleased to announce that the Toolkit for Municipalities, Organizations and Citizens - Canadian Coalition of Municipalities Against Racism and Discrimination is now available! The Web page allows you to download the complete Toolkit or to select only the sections you wish to print.