The inaugural Senator Vivienne Poy Asian of the Year Award has been presented to Kai Liu, an inspector with the Ottawa Police Service. Liu is not only the highest ranking Ottawa police officer, he is also the youngest inspector on the force. The award recognizes contributions made by an Asian Canadian who balances a successful career with community and charitable work.

Robert Niven, CEO of the Disability Rights Commission, is to be made a Commander of the British Empire (CBE). The DRC which is about to become part of the newly created Commission for Equality and Human Rights ensures persons with disabilities in the UK do not have to face discrimination.

Carla Johnston, a University of Calgary PHD student, has been awarded this year’s Alberta Award for the Study of Canadian Human Rights and Multiculturalism. The $10,000 scholarship will go towards Johnston’s studies in the educational achievements of immigrants who are learning English.

Accor North America has won the 2007 Celebration of Diversity Award for Workplace of the Year. Accor operates more than 870 hotel properties in Canada, the US and Mexico. On accepting the award, Georges Le Mener, Accor’s president and CEO said, “We strive to create an environment that reflects many different cultures, ideas, perspectives and experiences, as well as a workforce that represents the communities we serve.”

Coming up…..
The IS (Immigrant Success) Awards will recognize small, medium and large companies as the best of employer of immigrants for 2007. Applications are available online at www.triec.ca. Deadline: July 6.