2016 is soon drawing to a close. During the year, Canada has received many immigrants and refugees, including those from Syria, thus continuing our decades-long tradition as an open and welcoming country.

Yet at the same time, we have seen an ugly resurgence of religious bigotry and racism across this land. The recent spate of racist graffiti attacks against different religious buildings in Ottawa, and the racist posters and flyers plaguing several Canadian cities, remind us that the journey toward the elimination of racism and racial discrimination is a long one.

While this evil menace is undoubtedly perpetrated by a minority, we invite all Canadians, including our CRRF partners and stakeholders, to stand united and persevere in our efforts to build a society that is more cohesive, harmonious and inclusive. As an organization charged to promoting positive race relations in Canada, the CRRF has a broad but important mandate.

Our team is committed, and will not shrink from the daunting task of pursuing our mission. We also recognize that we cannot achieve it alone, especially given the perennial issue of the congenital funding deficiencies. We therefore welcome your support, but more importantly, we covet your practical ideas and advice as to how we might be able to do things better and more efficiently.

On behalf of the CRRF Board of Directors and the entire CRRF team, I wish you a happy holiday season and a peaceful, healthy and prosperous new year.

Albert Lo, Chairperson