Hedy Fry Begins Canadian Consultations for the United Nations World Conference Against Racism
OTTAWA, July 6, 2000 -- The Honourable Hedy Fry, Secretary of State (Multiculturalism) (Status of Women) met yesterday with national and ethnocultural umbrella organizations to discuss and formulate the Canadian preparations for the United Nations World Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance to be held in South Africa in the fall of 2001. Dr. Fry also announced the appointment of Gilbert H. Scott, as Executive Director of Canada's Secretariat for the United Nations World Conference Against Racism."Many of the world's wars and civil strife are caused by religious intolerance, racism, xenophobia and racial intolerance. In Canada, we are creating a society where people from every corner of the world live together in peaceful co-existence," stated Dr. Fry. "The World Conference Against Racism provides Canada with a unique opportunity to play a key role on the international stage in promoting the Canadian way of mutual respect and understanding."
The conference will focus on practical steps to eradicate racism; ensure that international standards are applied as a means of eradicating racism; and make recommandations for further action against bias and intolerance.
Canada has pressed for the widest possible participation of civil society, including youth at the Conference and its preparations. "In the fight against racism, our youth bring creative ideas for proactive action. Their energy, dynamism and willingness to embrace change brings hope that they can succeed where our generation has failed to find solutions," said Dr. Fry.
In recognition of the history, identity and culture of Canada's Aboriginal peoples, the Inuit, Métis, and First Nations are being offered the opportunity to establish their own process of consultation.
In concert with the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, the Department of Canadian Heritage, through the Secretary of State for Multiculturalism, will lead the domestic activities designed to establish Canadian positions for the conference, following extensive consultations across the country.
"As a former Commissioner for the Public Service Commission of Canada, Director General of Multiculturalism and now a private sector consultant, Mr. Scott brings a wealth of experience to these matters. As Executive Director, he will make a significant contribution to the discussions with Canadian civil society, the provinces and territories so that together, we can shape Canada's contribution to the world conference," the Secretary of State said.
Earlier this year, the Secretary of State held preliminary discussions with various organizations and individuals to seek their advice in developing the consultation process.
To assist the Government of Canada in developing its position, a series of two-day regional conferences will be held across Canada in the fall. The purpose is to engage NGOs in preparing their position for the World Conference Against Racism. Canadian civil society and the provinces and territories will address both world and domestic issues and help shape the Canadian positions for the conference. These regional conferences will be held from September to November 2000, in British Columbia, the Prairies, Ontario, Quebec, the Atlantic, and Northern regions of Canada.
The regional consultations will culminate in a national conference in the late fall in Ottawa. This forum will bring together representatives from regional and national civil society groups to consider the integrated input from the consultations. At this event, consensus will be sought on a discussion paper setting out Canada's priorities in addressing racism. The national conference will also set the stage for shaping the domestic agenda following the World Conference.
The consultations will also take place in a virtual format. A Web site will be established for the Conference Secretariat to facilitate interested citizens to participate in the process by submitting written briefs.
Information:
Thoren Hudyma
Office of the Secretary of State
(Multiculturalism) (Status of Women)
(819) 997-9900
Catherine Drew
Manager, Strategic Communications
Canadian World Conference Secretariat
(819) 953-3330
BACKGROUND
Mr. Gilbert H. Scott
Mr. Scott has over 30 years of international and national experience in the fields of human rights, employment equity, race and ethnic relations, management and leadership, and policy development. He began his career in 1960 with the Government of Jamaica. He then joined the Canadian federal public service in 1968. He has over 15 years of experience working in the multi-cultural portfolio of the federal government, with nearly a decade of those at a senior level, including 6 years as one of three Commissioners of the Public Service Commission of Canada responsible for implementing legislation governing employment in the federal public service. Mr. Scott served as Canada's representative to the United Nations Planning Conference for the Second Decade for Action to Combat Racial Discrimination (1981-1982). In 1994, he was a member of a Canadian multi-disciplinary team that advised the African National Congress on public service policies and structure, in preparation for governance. Prior to accepting this assignment, Mr. Scott recently held the position of Senior Advisor to the Government of Jamaica. In this capacity, he has advised the Cabinet Office and the Offices of the Services Commission on human resources development issues.
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