Minister Blackburn to recognize excellence in promoting diversity at CTV Inc. and the Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council

The Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Labour and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, is in Toronto to recognize two organizations that have achieved great success in promoting diversity in the workforce - CTV Inc. and the Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC).

"The Government of Canada believes that diversity in the workplace helps to ensure all Canadians can make a strong contribution to a productive economy and a cohesive society," said Minister Blackburn. "CTV is demonstrating leadership in promoting diversity through its National Aboriginal Internship Program and other initiatives."

CTV's National Aboriginal Internship Program placed several Aboriginal students in local CTV newsrooms across the country on paid internships. The students worked closely with CTV journalists and gained first-hand experience in bringing various Canadian communities their daily local news. Minister Blackburn will meet with the Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC) to recognize their contribution towards non-discrimination and diversity, as well as their contribution to assisting the integration of immigrants into the workforce. Minister Blackburn will present the non-profit organization a certificate.

"TRIEC is working to remove the barriers immigrants face when entering the labour market," said Minister Blackburn. "In alignment with the goals and objectives of the Racism-Free Workplace Strategy, they help organizations benefit from the talents and skills immigrants bring with them to Canada."

The TRIEC was created to address the effective and appropriate inclusion of immigrants into the labour market. The Minister will take this opportunity to hear about innovative community initiatives aimed at finding employment for immigrants. The Toronto visit is part of a four-city tour that takes Minister Blackburn to Ottawa, Dryden and Regina to highlight the Government of Canada's recent labour initiatives.