A two-day conference hosted by the Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF) began in Ottawa this morning, with federal Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, Chris Alexander, giving the opening address.

The conference (or symposium) has attracted a select group of community leaders, innovators and government representatives specialising in race relationsto share knowledge and contribute a report that will serve as a benchmark for future practices. The symposium, entitled Our Canada: Building on Citizenship, Building for Citizenship, brings together around 200 delegates from the public and private sectors, who will discuss and examine various issues related to multiculturalism and contribute to a roadmap for building Canada’s future.

“Our diversity is one of the great strengths of our country, and one of the ways in which Canada serves as a great inspiration to so many people around the world who wish to come here and make better lives for themselves and their families,” said Minister Alexander. “Our government is working to ensure newcomers have the tools they need to successfully integrate and fully contribute to their communities and Canadian society.”

The CRRF was created with a $24 million endowment from the Government of Canada and a mandate to help build a more inclusive Canadian society. The symposium runs until this Wednesday, November 19.