Appointment to the Canadian Race Relations Foundation Announced
OTTAWA, September 9, 2005 -- Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women Liza Frulla and Minister of State (Multiculturalism) Raymond Chan today announced the appointment of David Divine, of Halifax, Nova Scotia, to the Board of Directors of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation."Fostering positive race relations is as important today as ever, and Mr. Divine's experience in this area will certainly be of great benefit to the Canadian Race Relations Foundation," said Minister Frulla.
"The Canadian Race Relations Foundation plays an important role in strengthening relations among the diverse ethno-cultural and ethno-racial communities in our country," said Minister of State Chan. "I know that Mr. Divine has long been dedicated to achieving many of the goals of the Foundation and will bring his deep understanding of many pertinent issues to his new role."
Professor Divine is the James R. Johnston Chair in Black Canadian Studies at Dalhousie University, in Halifax. Throughout his academic career, he has developed expertise in the areas of community development in impoverished areas, social housing, community health and care, social exclusion, international comparative studies, and the history of service delivery to particular communities.
Professor Divine was Managing Director of DDC Consultancy, specializing in social care, housing and health, from 1994 to 1998. He served as Chair of the An Viet Housing Association, from 1995 to 1998, and Chair of the UJIMA Housing Association, from 1991 to 1996. He is a member of the faculty of the Maritime School of Social Work at Dalhousie University.
The Canadian Race Relations Foundation undertakes research, collects data, and develops a national information base to further 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.
Information:
Jean-François Del Torchio
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and
Minister responsible for Status of Women
(819) 997-7788
Roy Bornmann
Office of the Minister of State
Multiculturalism
(819) 997-9900
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