OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwire) -- 11/22/12 -- Bridget Foster, named the 2012 recipient of the Paul Yuzyk Award for Multiculturalism, has selected the Association for New Canadians (ANC) to receive a $20,000 grant from the Government of Canada.

The ANC is an organization dedicated to supporting all aspects of newcomer integration in Newfoundland and Labrador. For over 30 years, the organization has delivered services in settlement, language learning, skills development and employment.

"The work of the Association has a tremendous influence on the lives of newcomers to Canada," said Ms. Foster. "I hope this money will enable the organization to support important projects, such as a scholarship for newcomer students that will have a lasting legacy."

Last May, Ms. Foster was named the fourth recipient of the Paul Yuzyk Award in the Lifetime Achievement category for her ongoing dedication to promoting a strong multicultural society.

"Her work for the ANC has helped the Association grow from a small organization with limited capacity to a full service immigrant settlement agency," said Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism. "Her many years dedicated to the integration of newcomers has contributed to building a stronger country."

Opening of nominations for the 2013 Paul Yuzyk Award

As of today, all Canadians are invited to submit nominations for the fifth annual Paul Yuzyk Award for Multiculturalism.

"I encourage Canadians to support this award and nominate friends, colleagues or volunteer workers who make an outstanding effort to promote our shared Canadian values within their community," said Minister Kenney.

The award winner will be announced next spring and will receive a certificate of honour from the Minister, as well as the right to select an eligible, registered, not-for-profit Canadian organization to receive a $20,000 grant from the Government of Canada.

The Paul Yuzyk Award is bestowed every year on an individual or a group who has made exceptional contributions to multiculturalism and the integration of newcomers. It commemorates the legacy of the late Senator Paul Yuzyk, who worked to establish multiculturalism as a fundamental characteristic of the Canadian identity.

Nominations for the 2013 Paul Yuzyk Award for Multiculturalism must be postmarked by March 1, 2013. Eligibility requirements and the nomination package are available at www.cic.gc.ca/paulyuzyk.

Learn more about Bridget Foster in this video profiling her achievements: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/multimedia/video/yuzyk2012/yuzyk2012.asp

Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/CitImmCanada

Photos of Minister Kenney available at: www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/photos/high-res/index.asp

Building a stronger Canada: Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) strengthens Canada's economic, social and cultural prosperity, helping ensure Canadian safety and security while managing one of the largest and most generous immigration programs in the world.