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Acclaimed film director Deepa Mehta, known for her provocative films such as the Elements Trilogy, Fire, Earth and Water, will be presented the Canadian Centre for Diversity's Life of Distinction Award at the organization's annual Awards Gala on Thursday, November 3rd.  The Life of Distinction Award is presented to an individual who strives to make a difference through their influence and whose values align with those of CCD.

The Partners in Diversity Award will recognize Deloitte for leadership in cultivating diverse talent, and will be accepted by Vice-Chair Yezdi Pavri. The Partners in Diversity Award recognizes the strong relationship between CCD and the awarded organization, based on a shared philosophy and desire to promote inclusivity, respect and understanding among Canadians from all backgrounds and communities.  Deloitte is ranked 8th on DiversityInc's Top 50 Companies for Diversity in 2011.

Two outstanding couples will receive the prestigious Human Relations Award:  Don and Debbie Morrison, and Donald Carr, Order of Ontario, QC and Judy Feld Carr. The Human Relations Award is presented to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to society and whose values align with those of CCD. Award recipients may represent business, the arts, community and social sciences, education, philanthropy or public service. All are exemplary role models committed to making a difference in other peoples' lives.

The Morrisons are co-founders of the Debbie and Donald H. Morrison Family Foundation. Don Morrison recently retired as Chief Operating Officer of Research in Motion and Debbie serves as a newly elected Board member at the Hope Exchange.

Donald Carr is a partner at Miller Thomson and Judy Feld-Carr is a humanitarian who brought to freedom 3,228 Jews prohibited from emigrating from Syria.

Most recent recipients of this coveted award include: The Hon. Justice Rosalie Abella, the Asper Family, Brent Belzberg, Judy & Paul Bronfman, John Cassaday, Elizabeth & Tony Comper, Phillip Crawley, Leslie & Anna Dan, John & Gay Evans, Ivan Fecan & Sandra Faire, Tony Gagliano, The Hon. Henry N.R. Jackman, the Lakhani Family, Miles Nadal, Janice & Earle O'Born, Heather Reisman, Sandra & Joseph Rotman, Gerald Schwartz, Jay Switzer, Matthew Teitelbaum, The Hon. Hilary Weston, The Hon. Michael Wilson and Richard Venn.

Money raised at the Awards Gala supports the Canadian Centre for Diversity's youth oriented educational initiatives.  Throughout its 64 year history, the Canadian Centre for Diversity has been providing programs that teach youth to see beyond stereotypes and has been a dominant force in building bridges of respect and understanding between diverse communities.

The Canadian Centre for Diversity Annual Awards Gala takes place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

About the Canadian Centre for Diversity

The Canadian Centre for Diversity is the leading Canadian provider of school-based programs that educates Canadian youth about the value of diversity, difference and inclusion. Each year, thousands of young Canadians participate in these programs and learn the value of treating others with the respect and dignity that all individuals deserve in a multi-cultural and diverse society.  Program participants are encouraged to take on leadership and mentorship roles and become invaluable volunteers who work together to eliminate prejudice and discrimination. For information on Canadian Centre for Diversity programming, visit www.centrefordiversity.ca.

Release info source: centrefordiversity.ca