Dr. Constantine Passaris, UNB, Awarded Legacy Prize for work on Multiculturalism and Immigration

Dr. Passaris, Professor in Economics at the University of New Brunswick (UNB) is set to receive a Legacy Award from the New Brunswick Multicultural Council (NBMC) at special ceremony on Thursday, September 5th, at the provincial Beaverbrook Art Gallery.   Many New Brunswick leaders will gather at the ceremony to reflect on Dr. Passaris’ legacy and honour his extraordinary contributions to the province.

“The NBMC Legacy Award is designed to recognize individuals or organizations who have made sustained efforts and enduring contributions to the multicultural fabric of the province.” said Alex LeBlanc, Executive Director of NBMC.  “Dr. Passaris was a true pioneer for the province and he has laid the critical foundation through decades of work for New Brunswick to grow through immigration in the years ahead.”

In addition to being Founding President Emeritus of the New Brunswick Multicultural Council, Dr. Passaris is a Professor of Economics at the University of New Brunswick, an Onassis Foundation Fellow, a Research Affiliate of the Prentice Institute for Global Population and Economy at the University of Lethbridge, and a member of the Academic Scientific Board of the International Institute of Advanced Economic and Social Studies (Italy). He has served as a member of the Economic Council of Canada, Chairman of the New Brunswick Human Rights Commission, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Atlantic Human Rights Center at Saint Thomas University, Chairman of the New Brunswick Advisory Board on Population Growth, and as an advisor to the Canadian Commission for UNESCO.

At the Legacy Award ceremony, Dr. Passaris will offer reflections on his work over the past four decades to promote immigration and multiculturalism in New Brunswick, and the road ahead for attracting, welcoming and retaining more newcomers to the province.

“The NBMC is an institution that has stood the test of time. It remains as relevant and pertinent today as it was three and a half decades ago when it was founded.” says Dr. Passaris.  “In this age of globalization, multiculturalism is New Brunswick’s secret weapon. It is the key for forging new trade relationships around the world, attracting foreign investment, empowering our human resources, growing our population, energizing our Provincial economy and creating new employment opportunities for all New Brunswickers.”

Over 90 dignitaries and special guests are expected to attend the award ceremony to congratulate Dr. Passaris and hear his reflections on the next chapter of immigration and multiculturalism in New Brunswick.