Appointment to the Canadian Race Relations Foundation
OTTAWA, October 2, 2003 -- Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps and Secretary of State (Multiculturalism) (Status of Women) Jean Augustine today announced the appointment of James M. Scharfstein, of Saskatoon, as a director of the Board of Directors of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF).Mr. Scharfstein has practised law in Saskatoon since 1977, and is currently a managing partner in the firm of Scharfstein Gibbings Walen & Fisher. An accredited mediator, he completed the Program on Negotiation at Harvard University in Boston. Mr. Scharfstein practises in the areas of Aboriginal Law, Human Rights Law, and Governance. In 1998, he was appointed Queen's Counsel.
Mr. Scharfstein has been active in many organizations and is Past President of the Saskatoon B'nai Brith, Past Vice-President of B'nai Brith Canada, and Past Member of the National Cabinet of the League of Human Rights of B'nai Brith Canada. He is currently developing a pilot project for Saskatchewan schools (K-12) to integrate a program of Human Rights, Civics, Propaganda, and Racism as a part of a core curriculum program.
He was awarded the Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of Confederation in recognition of his significant contribution to his compatriots, to his community, and to Canada.
The Foundation undertakes research, collects data and develops a national information base to further an understanding of the nature of racism and racial discrimination. It provides a knowledge base from which governments, academia, business, labour and community organizations can draw for the development of effective race relations policies and practices. The Foundation also disseminates information to increase public awareness of the importance of eliminating racism. For more information on the Foundation and its Board of Directors, visit its Web site at http://www.crr.ca
Information:
Sonya-Kim St-Julien
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
Adam Burns
Press Secretary
Office of the Secretary of State
(Multiculturalism) (Status of Women)
(819) 997-9900
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