MESSAGE FROM THE MEAAC CHAIR

Cultural diversity has become a prominent feature of the demographic landscape in the province of Manitoba. Peoples particularly from Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Latin America have found Canada an attractive country for the purpose of pursuing their own life projects because it provides its citizens with the benefits of freedom, equality of opportunity, and social justice.

Two major challenges come with cultural diversity, however. When cultural differences exist among peoples within a society, attainment of social harmony becomes problematic; when minority cultural groups aspire for full participation within institutions developed by the mainstream population, broadening opportunities to accommodate them becomes a real issue.

Fortunately, the province of Manitoba remains faithful to the Canadian policy of multiculturalism, which is intended to address these challenges. Its Statement of Government Policy for a Multicultural Society (1990) proclaims its commitment to the principles of cultural retention, equality, and harmony. The creation of the Manitoba Ethnocultural Advisory and Advocacy Council (MEAAC), consisting of sixteen (16) elected and five (5) government-appointed members, signifies its intent to promote these principles and thereby to address the major problems posed by cultural diversity. Since its creation in 2001, MEAAC has given advice and recommendations to the government on matters affecting the ethnocultural communities in the province, particularly in the areas of anti-racism, education, human rights, immigration, settlement, linguistic diversity, and cultural heritage.  

The task of ensuring societal harmony, even as efforts are made to encourage and support cultural retention and to accommodate the rights and entitlement of minority cultural communities in Manitoba, is a huge one. Nonetheless, MEAAC’s first term of three years, under the admirable leadership of Mr. John Jack, has shown that significant progress can be made. We, who have been elected or appointed to the current Council, face the challenge of making further progress in pursuing our mandate.

Needless to say, our success requires the support and cooperation of cultural communities. We aim to reach them and we sincerely invite members of these communities to meet and dialogue with us. Together, we can contribute toward the serious and adequate implementation of the policy of multiculturalism in our beloved province.

Please receive our greetings and best wishes.

                                                                        Dr. Romulo F. Magsino

                                                                        MEAAC Chair.

Manitoba Ethnocultural Advisory and Advocacy Council (MEAAC)

Manitoba Ethnocultural Advisory & Advocacy Council Act
Role & Mandate of Council
Council & Standing Committee Meetings
Standing Committees
MEAAC Council Members
Contact MEAAC!
Download the MEAAC Newsletter and Brochure

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Manitoba Ethnocultural Advisory & Advocacy Council Act 

The Manitoba Ethnocultural Advisory and Advocacy Act was enacted on July 6, 2001 to establish a multicultural advisory council.

Following election and nomination processes, council members were elected and appointed in November 2001. Subsequent elections and appointments occur every three years.

The council consists of up to 21 members — 16 members elected by Manitoba ethnocultural organizations and five appointed by government. The term of a member is three years and no member may serve more than two successive terms.

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Role & Mandate of Council

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Council & Standing Committee Meetings

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Standing Committees

Council initiated six standing committees and encourages representation on these committees from members of the ethnocultural community.  The standing committees examine issues raised by government or ethnocultural communities and recommend action in the following areas: 

Antiracism - examine issues about human rights, race relations, diversity, equity and discrimination.    

Cultural and Linguistic Diversity - recommend responses on cultural and linguistic diversity matters and heritage language issues within ethnocultural communities  

Education - consider education policy, programs and position papers and advise government about education issues  

Immigration & Employment - consider issues about immigration and employment and advise the minister about these issues — work collaboratively with the Manitoba Immigration Council on policy development and issue response 

Outreach - help organize council’s annual open house — help develop information about ethnocultural policies for Manitobans — work with council and its standing committees to support and organize outreach activities  

Youth -   listen to issues and priorities of youth — encourage youth’s participation in their respective ethnocultural communities and the wider community  

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MEAAC Council Members

Dr. K C Asagwara Ms. Marla Braga Mr. Graham Buckingham Ms. Linda Casar Ms. Maureen Cruz Mrs. Zofia de Witt Ms. Alice Fan Ms. Marusia Foster Mrs. Patsy Grant Dr. Madhu Gupta Dr. Ezzat Ibrahim Ms. Carmen Infante Mr. John Jack Dr. Romulo Magsimo Mr. Glenn McVicor Mr. Abdoulaye Ndiaye Mr. Daniel Negussie Mr. George Penner Ms. Christina Semaniuk Ms. Rose Tilbrook Ms. Beatrice Watson	Dr. Romulo Magsimo Chairperson, MEAAC

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Interested in knowing more about MEAAC or providing feedback to MEAAC standing committees?

Does your community have a story to tell? Have an event to share?

Contact MEAAC!

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Download the MEAAC Newsletter and Brochure. 

MEAAC Brochure 2005 (English PDF version)
MEAAC Brochure 2005 (French PDF version)

MEAAC Newsletter – edition 001 - Fall 2005 (English Word version)
MEAAC Newsletter – edition 001 - Fall 2005 (English PDF version)

MEAAC Newsletter – edition 001 – Fall 2005 (Version Français Word)
MEAAC Newsletter – edition 001 – Fall 2005 (Version Français PDF)

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