Government of Canada Funds Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers and the Calgary Immigrant Aid Society
OTTAWA, August 10, 2000 -- Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, Anne McLellan on behalf of Secretary of State (Multiculturalism) (Status of Women), Hedy Fry announced today funding for two important projects in Alberta.The government is providing funding of $75 000 to the Calgary Immigrant Aid Society to support an initiative engaging mainstream health care providers, social organizations and ethnocultural communities to create a health care system that is equitable for all first generation Canadians in Calgary. This initiative was launched in response to a growing community need for health care services and includes a review and assessment that will lead to changes in the internal systems, policies, programs and practices.
"Health care is a growing concern in Canada and the Calgary Multicultural Health Care Initiative led by the Calgary Immigrant Aid Society is a step forward in providing first generation Canadians with services that are inclusive, accessible and equitable" said Dr. Fry.
The government funding of $46 278 to the Edmonton Mennonite Centre of Newcomers will support a community development project designed to provide immigrant and refugee youth with educational support and to assist their parents to establish stronger connections with the schools. The initiative is aimed at teaching youth to develop the leadership and coaching skills required to become a tutor with immigrant students. The project also includes opportunities for parents to learn about the Canadian school system and develop skills to help their children to succeed in school.
"Schools are at the heart of a community and it is important that immigrant and refugee youth and their parents understand the value of an education" said Minister McLellan. I am proud to support the Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers and their "Stay in School for a Better Future" initiative".
Funding for these projects was provided for in the February 2000 budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework.
Information :
Thoren Hudyma
Office of the Secretary of State
(Multiculturalism)(Status of Women)
(819) 997-9900
Rachel Labelle
Canadian Heritage
Western Region, Alberta District
(780) 495-5623
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