Organization Profile - Canadian Race Relations Foundation

Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities

The work of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF) focuses on raising public awareness of the causes and manifestations of racism in Canada. It is a source of information, providing perspective and research data to contribute to the elimination of racism. The Foundation focuses on a variety of issues through the contract research program and conferences, forums and workshops placing particular emphasis on eliminating racism in employment and education. Information and resource development include disseminating information through the CRRF's Web site, annotated bibliographies and published materials. The Foundation was proclaimed by the federal government on October 28, 1996 and, in accordance with the Japanese Canadian Redress Agreement, the government provided the Foundation with a one-time endowment fund of $24 million. CRRF operates on income generated by investing the endowment fund, and donations.

Toronto, Ontario

Canadian Race Relations Foundation Act

The activities of the Foundation shall be managed by a Board of Directors consisting of a Chairperson and not more than 11 other directors to be appointed by the Governor in Council, on the recommendation of the Minister, after the Minister, taking into account the multicultural character, linguistic duality and regional diversity of Canadian society, has consulted with any governments, institutions, organizations and individuals that the Minister considers appropriate.

Persons appointed to the Board must have knowledge or experience that will assist the Foundation in fulfilling its purpose.

Each director shall be appointed to hold office for a term not exceeding four years. A director is eligible for reappointment to the Board in the same or another capacity.

The Board shall elect one of the directors, other than the Chairperson, to be the Vice-Chairperson of the Board.

If the Chairperson is absent or unable to act or if the office of Chairperson is vacant, the Vice-Chairperson may act as Chairperson.

There shall be an Executive Director of the Foundation, who shall be appointed by the Governor in Council, on the recommendation of the Minister, for a term not exceeding five years. The Executive Director is the chief executive officer of the Foundation and is eligible for reappointment.

If the Executive Director is absent or unable to act or if the office of Executive Director is vacant, the Board may authorize a director or an officer or employee of the Foundation to act as Executive Director, but no person may so act for a period exceeding sixty days without the approval of the Governor in Council.

The Executive Director is ex officio a member of the Board, but has no vote.

Persons appointed to the Board must have knowledge or experience that will assist the Foundation in fulfilling its purpose

The directors are appointed after consultation by the Minister, taking into account the multicultural character, linguistic duality and regional diversity of Canadian society, with any governments, institutions, organizations and individuals that the Minister considers appropriate. The Minister shall consult the Board of Directors on the appointment of the Executive Director.

A majority of directors in office constitutes a quorum at a meeting of the Board.