TORONTO, April 17, 2003 - The Canadian Race Relations Foundation's (CRRF) today welcomed the federal government's decision to pledge money towards the construction of the new Canadian Museum for Human Rights. The CRRF applauds the initiative and its goal to chronicle the evolution of human rights in Canada and the world.

"It's definitely timely for Canada to document the human rights stories of the many Canadians and immigrants who have built this country," said Dr. Karen Mock, executive director of the CRRF. "The new Canadian Museum for Human Rights will be a lasting legacy for citizens and residents of Canada and the whole world."

The new Canadian Museum for Human Rights was initiated by Mr. Israel Asper, founder of CanWest Global Communications. He has pledged to be the top individual donor for the museum in addition to financial support from the provincial and municipal governments. The museum, to be located in Winnipeg, intends to examine all types of human rights issues and will provide all groups with the opportunity to submit proposals for exhibits.

"We look forward to assisting in the planning and implementation of the new Canadian Museum of Human Rights in keeping with our mandate," said Dr. Mock. "I encourage all groups to participate in this initiative and to ensure that history is not lost but recorded for our future generations."