Secretary of State Augustine Announces Funding for Multicultural Inclusivity within the Saskatoon Police Service
SASKATOON, November 19, 2002 -- Secretary of State (Multiculturalism)(Status of Women) Jean Augustine today announced funding of $345,000 over three years to the Saskatoon Police Service to help it deliver more culturally-sensitive and community-based policing to the City of Saskatoon."The Saskatoon Police Service is undertaking a major project to address institutional change and reach out to the community," said Secretary of State Augustine. "The project will enable it to better reflect and respond to the ethnic and cultural diversity of Saskatoon."
"Public consultation and collaboration with our multicultural partners has identified specific needs and priorities for Saskatoon," said Chief Russell Sabo of the Saskatoon Police Service. "This multicultural project captures these needs and puts plans into action to meet them."
The project will entail diversity training for officers and civilian staff, the creation of a multicultural recruitment plan, mentoring and training for youth, an enhanced role for the Community Liaison Unit, and the formation of a Chief's Multicultural Advisory Board. The project was developed by the police service and a group representing the community, with members from the Saskatoon Tribal Council, Métis Nation of Saskatchewan, the Saskatoon Open Door Society, Saskatchewan Intercultural Association and other organizations.
Canada's Multiculturalism Policy, which falls under the Canadian Multiculturalism Act, promotes full and equitable participation in Canadian society of people of all origins, as well as interaction between individuals and communities of different origins. It also encourages public institutions to be respectful and inclusive of Canada's multicultural character.
Funding for this project was provided for in the December 2001 federal budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework.
Information:
Naline Rampersad
Press Secretary
Office of the Secretary of State
(Multiculturalism) (Status of Women)
(819) 997-9900
[ Media Room ]
