Government of Canada Supports Web Presence for Canadian Arab Federation |
| TORONTO, February 9, 2005 -- Member of Parliament (Scarborough--Agincourt) Jim Karygiannis, on behalf of Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women Liza Frulla, today announced $46,275 in funding for the Canadian Arab Federation. The funds will allow the organization to develop its own Web site. "Until now, there really has been no Web site highlighting all the many contributions made by Canadians of Arab origin to our society," said Mr. Karygiannis. "This project will help Web users from Canada and abroad to better understand this vast community." Minister of Citizenship and Immigration and Minister responsible for Ontario Joseph Volpe added his support. "This Web site will be a valuable networking tool for members of the Arab-Canadian community," said Minister Volpe. "The Internet enables us to engage in dialogue with people of all backgrounds and all cultures," said Minister Frulla. "If we wish to build a truly diverse society in which all communities are represented, we must invest in Web sites like this one." Taking as its theme Canadian Arabs: From Past to Present, the new Web site will carry information on various topics, including Arab literature, architecture, film and art. It will also feature a bulletin board, audio and video clips, and a calendar of events. Financial assistance is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage through its Canadian Culture Online strategy, which encourages the creation of original Canadian content on the Internet. Funding announced today was provided for in the March 2004 federal budget. Information: Jean-Philippe Côté Director of Communications Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women (819) 997-7788 Myriam Brochu Chief, Media Relations Canadian Heritage (819) 997-9314 Stephen Heckbert Director of Communocations Office of the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration (613) 954-1064 Margot Doey-Vick Special Assistant Office of Jim Karygiannis, M.P. (613) 992-4501 or (416) 321-2405 |
