On June 27, 2010 Ihor Ostash, Ambassador of Ukraine to Canada, visited the celebration of the Canadian Multiculturalism Day, where Paul Nguyen was honoured as the recipient of the 2010 Paul Yuzyk Award for Multiculturalism.

“I am pleased to announce that Paul Nguyen of Toronto is the winner of this year’s Paul Yuzyk Award for Multiculturalism,” Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney said at an event celebrating Canadian Multiculturalism Day. “Mr. Nguyen’s work in the Jane & Finch neighbourhood and his activism on issues affecting at-risk diverse youth in his community deserves recognition.”

Mr. Nguyen is dedicated to improving race relations and promoting multicultural understanding in Canada. He works towards breaking down stereotypes and barriers facing at-risk youth and visible minorities using social media and filmmaking. In particular, he has created the http://www.Jane-Finch.com web site: an online portal that has become a strong voice for youth and residents in the Jane-Finch community in Toronto.

The Paul Yuzyk Award for Multiculturalism is an annual honour bestowed upon an individual or group that has demonstrated a dedication to the advancement of diversity, multiculturalism and the integration of new Canadians into Canadian society. It commemorates the late Canadian Senator of Ukrainian descent Yuzyk’s pioneering legacy in establishing multiculturalism as one of the fundamental characteristics of Canadian identity.

To further mark Canadian Multiculturalism Day, Minister Kenney also launched Inter-Action, Canada’s new multiculturalism grants and contributions program. The new program has a Projects stream and a new Events stream designed to foster intercultural understanding, civic memory and pride, and respect for core democratic values.

“Canada’s future is being built by Canadians of all backgrounds integrating into a proud and democratic society,” said Minister Kenney, as he issued a call to action for project proposals from eligible organizations. “Inter-Action, our new multiculturalism grants and contribution program, will invest in Canada by supporting projects and events that promote intercultural understanding and equal opportunity for people of all cultures and faiths.”