March 3, 2014 – The Canadian Race Relations Foundation, through its Interfaith and Belonging Initiative, held In Conversation: Multiculturalism in Greater Vancouver, a conference that brought together a broad group of people who share passion for and interest in multiculturalism, social harmony and prosperity in Greater Vancouver, a region recognized for its deep ethnocultural diversity.

Location: Westin Wall Centre, Richmond, BC

Format

Conference delegates examined the successes and challenges of multiculturalism in Greater Vancouver. In Canada, multiculturalism was originally conceived as a social and political policy of integration aimed at encouraging participation of newcomers and minorities in the life of the nation, encouraging their adoption of Canadian civic values and increasing their sense of belonging. 

Speakers and Facilitators

Opening Panel

Moderator: Christine Douglas-Williams

Panelists: Albert Lo, Dr. Suresh Kurl, Dr. Darrell Peregrym

Sessions

The business environment, Tom Crean

Social issues, Dr. Suresh Kurl

Multi-faith and competing interests, Dr. Darrell Peregrym

Education in a multicultural and multi-faith society, Dr. Chak Au

The CRRF, in conjunction with this conference, held the Building Bridges for Canada Lifetime Achievement Award Dinner on Sunday, March 2nd at the Riverside Grand Ballroom in Richmond, B.C.