TORONTO - Canadian Jewish Congress (CJC) is proud to have been honoured three times over the past two months through remarkable events in conjunction with the Government of Canada.
 
Yesterday in Montreal, CJC was named an "organization of National Historic Significance" by Minister of the Environment Hon. Peter Kent - the only advocacy organization ever so honoured.
 
"Since its creation, the Canadian Jewish Congress has focused its efforts on seeking justice, equality and human dignity," said Minister Kent, noting that CJC contributed to the advancement of the Jewish community but also of Canadian society. "Its actions contributed to the openness to diversity for which Canada is known today," he added. Former CJC National President and M.P. Hon. Irwin Cotler also spoke about CJC's extraordinary work internationally, and reminded those present that the Jewish community must remain strong for the future.
 
Also yesterday, in Vaughan, Ontario, CJC joined with UJA Federation of Greater Toronto and Minister of State for Seniors and Vaughan M.P. Hon. Julian Fantino to celebrate a federal government contribution of up to $15 million towards the new Lebovic campus, which will provide recreational, cultural, health and social services in the region - the fastest growing Jewish community outside of Israel. As reported in the Canadian Jewish News, Minister Fantino credited CJC CEO Bernie M. Farber with giving him the tools necessary to understand that the project was "more about community building than a particular project that is singular to one specific community in our city."
 
On January 20 in Halifax, CJC joined with Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Hon. Jason Kenney to unveil a memorial honouring the 937 Jewish passengers of the ill-fated MS St. Louis, a ship turned away by Canada on the eve of the Second World War. This remarkable memorial, housed at Pier 21, was designed by world renowned architect Daniel Libeskind. "...[T]his memorial will be a concrete perpetual expression of regret on behalf of the government and the people of Canada to the Jewish community," said Minister Kenney.
 
"CJC's 92nd year has been marked by these and many other historic achievements, and we believe that our success continues to benefit all Canadians," said CJC National President Mark Freiman. "CJC was founded in Montreal March 16-19, 1919. Today, on the eve of our 93rd year, we recommit to working with the Government of Canada and all our stakeholders to continue building a stronger Canadian Jewish community and a stronger Canada," he added.