Pinoy wins award in Canada

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MANILA – Filipino community leader Tom Avendano is this yer’s Paul Yuzyk Award recipient.

Given the recent attack in Canada, the awarding ceremony this year started off with a solemn note.

Minister Jason Kenney said that the attack in Ottawa only made this year’s awarding more significant.

“We dedicate ourselves to responding to those who disrupt our way of life, of peace and rule of law — building a society based on peace and rule of law,” said Kenney.

Avendano is part of the team that started the Multicultural Helping House Society in 2001. He assists people who are starting a new life in Canada through the said group.

He is the 6th receiver of the award.

According to Avendano, the success of multiculturalism is vital in keeping Canada protected from attacks like the shooting in Ottawa.

“It is a wakeup call for Canadians because we are a very peaceful people and we are very friendly and confident that no harn will happen to us, that is scary,” he said.

As a matter of fact, even government ministers agree.

As the country works doubly hard to make sure that such attacks never happen again, the government also wants to send out a message to the community.

“I dont think we need to panic. We have enough confidence that Canadians are protected,” said Minister Alice Wong, Member of Parliament-Richmond.