By rdnewsNOW Staff

Representing Alberta's Diverse Communities

New members appointed to anti-racism council

Jun 8, 2022 | 4:20 PM

The provincial government says appointing eight public members will give the Alberta Anti-Racism Advisory Council more resources and a renewed commitment to tackle racism.

Government officials say the Alberta Anti-Racism Advisory Council provides advice to government on efforts to combat racism and promote more accepting and inclusive communities across Alberta. It consists of up to 24 people who together, represent Alberta’s diverse communities.

“Anti-racism action is a priority for Alberta’s government,” says Kaycee Madu, Minister of Labour and Immigration. “Adding new public members to the Alberta Anti-Racism Advisory Council will give broader representation and more voices to advise government on how to make Alberta a more equitable, safe and welcoming place for everyone.”

Appointees are said to represent Alberta’s diverse communities, understand the realities and challenges related to racism, and are recognized by their peers for their commitment to human rights and combating racism.

“I am looking forward to working with the eight new appointees to the Alberta Anti-Racism Advisory Council,” adds Muhammad Yaseen, Associate Minister of Immigration and Multiculturalism. “Their knowledge and perspectives, along with the expertise and experience of our ongoing members, are invaluable. Alberta’s government will continue to rely on their advice for strategies to address racism and remove systemic barriers to accessing government programs and services.”

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“Welcome to the new members of the Alberta Anti-Racism Advisory Council,” says Mohamad Awada, Co-Chair, Alberta Anti-Racism Advisory Council. “Adding these individuals to our council gives us greater diversity and helps us speak on behalf of the people we represent. I am looking forward to working with them.”

“I am excited to see more individuals with expertise and a commitment to addressing racism joining the Alberta Anti-Racism Advisory Council,” shares Chinaemerem (China) Sochi Ogbonna, Co-Chair, Alberta Anti-Racism Advisory Council. “The council has been working hard to provide advice to government, and I am looking forward to working with these new members to continue this work.”

New board members

Ambreen Azim is a lawyer who is actively involved in several community service organizations and has a wealth of understanding, experience and knowledge working with diverse cultures and communities.

Pamela Beebe works for Calgary’s not-for-profit sector, is a member of the Kainai First nation, and is committed to the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Khaleel Bhatti has volunteered for and chaired various committees and boards in the community services sector, including the Pakistan-Canada Association in Calgary and the International Human Rights Commission.

Sania Chaudry is a lawyer who advances anti-racism and equity, diversity and inclusion as part of her work on a number of boards, committees and organizations.

Bassam Fares has 21 years of experience working in various roles with the Muslim community in Edmonton at several organizations, including the Islamic Family and Social Services Association and the Edmonton Council of Muslim communities.

Hyder Hassan is the CEO of Immigrant Services Calgary and co-founder of Fullsoul Canada, a not-for-profit organization equipping hospitals in Uganda with medical supplies.

Norman Poon is the co-chair of Diversecities, which helps newcomers, vulnerable and visible minority Canadians, and he is a business leader with 15 years of experience across multiple industries including human resources, banking, healthcare, technology and retail.

Sheetal Walsh serves on several boards covering various stakeholders including startups, agencies, universities and non-profits, and has received a number of awards, including the Alumni Award of Excellence from the University of Alberta and the Women in Business Award from Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.