GATINEAU, Quebec–Motivational speaker as well as physical and mental trainer, Orlando Bowen, was recently added to the board of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF). He is among three new part-time members that were announced by Canada’s Minister of Heritage, Mélanie Joly.

The other new additions are Ann-Marie Pham and Balpreet Singh Boparai. Jamaican-born Bowen, along with Boparai, will represent the province of Ontario for three-year terms, beginning December 15 and December 11 respectively. Pham will represent Alberta in a four-year term, starting December 18.

The new board members are expected to support the work of Canada’s leading organization dedicated to the elimination of racism.

Joly said,“Canada is strong not in spite of our diversity, but because of it. Through its role as a leading voice for the elimination of racism and all forms of racial discrimination, the Canadian Race Relations Foundation plays a key role in fostering mutual respect and promoting a more inclusive society.

“I am confident that these appointees will work in a spirit of openness, collaboration and understanding to support and advance the foundation’s mandate,” Joly said.

Bowen is also the founder and executive director of the youth leadership organization One Voice One Team and works closely with young people to help them develop projects in their communities. He has a Master of Science degree in information technology management.

He was a Canadian Football League (CFL) player with Toronto until he was arrested by police, assaulted and charged and later acquitted. His civil case against the Peel Police was settled out of court.

Bowen has since offered forgiveness to the officers and is encouraging others to seek the positive in their lives.

Pham has worked with diverse communities and workplaces for more than 20 years. She has a Master of Science degree in public administration and is currently manager of client services at the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion.

Boparai has been legal counsel and spokesperson for the World Sikh Organization of Canada since 2009. In that capacity, he has participated in several CRRF projects and is a regular speaker on issues of identity and Canadian values. He is a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada.

These appointments are the result of the Government of Canada’s open, transparent and merit-based selection process.

The CFFR is Canada’s leading agency dedicated to the elimination of racism and all forms of racial discrimination in the Canadian society. It coordinates and cooperates with all sectors of society, and develops partnerships with relevant agencies and organizations at the local, provincial, territorial and national levels.