A TRIBUTE TO A TRUE CANADIAN CHAMPION OF HUMAN RIGHTS, MAX YALDEN

Montreal, February 12, 2015 — CRARR wishes to convey its most heartfelt condolences to the family of Mr. Max Yalden, who passed away on Feb. 9 at the age of 84. Our country lost a true Champion of human rights.

In his positions of diplomat, Official Languages Commissioner and Chief Commissioner of the Canadian Human Rights Commission, Mr. Yalden was a passionate defender of equality and minority rights. Most importantly, he was a tireless promoter of Canadian values. He undoubtedly served his country and his fellow Canadians very well, both at home and abroad.

CRARR had the privilege of hosting a dinner-conference with Chief Commissioner Yalden in 1988, with the then-President of the Quebec Human Rights Commission Jacques Lachapelle as co-keynote speaker, on the theme, “For A Concerted Promotion of Employment Equity.”

It was one of the most dynamic and well-attended events in CRARR's history, and many participants from the corporate, labour and equality-seeking sectors were both inspired and encouraged by Mr. Yalden's vision of equality in the Canadian economy.

CRARR has been privileged to have benefited over the years from the advice of Ms. Pearl Eliadis, a tireless human rights advocate, law lecturer and lawyer, and Mr. Yalden's daughter-in-law. May it be said that he torch that was carried by Max Yalden to bring a better light into the world has now been fully passed on to Pearl and her partner Robert.

CRARR will continue to work to honour Mr. Max Yalden’s legacy and promote the Canadian ideals and values that are dear to all of us.