Secretary of State Jean Augustine is Pleased with the Outcomes of the National Forum on Policing in a Multicultural Society
OTTAWA, February 28, 2003 -- Secretary of State (Multiculturalism) (Status of Women) Jean Augustine today announced that she was pleased with the strategies brought forward by ethno-cultural and racial, as well as Aboriginal communities and members of various police services at a National Forum on Policing in a Multicultural Society. The Forum, held in Ottawa on February 27 and 28, brought together over 150 delegates to discuss issues of Aboriginal, ethnic and racial diversity and policing in Canada."This Forum is an important step towards sharing the vast knowledge that exists on the subject of policing in a multicultural society," said Secretary of State Augustine. "Our long-term goal is to build the foundations of a future where the next generation will benefit from a world that accepts and understands the increasingly multicultural population."
The Forum's purpose was to strengthen partnerships between police and communities. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), provincial police services, other key federal departments, and academics involved in policing and security were in attendance.
The Honourable Wayne Easter, Solicitor General, offered opening remarks on the first day of the Forum. Among the keynote speakers were Roberta Jamieson, Chief of Six Nations: Thomas V. Manahan, Director, State Police Affairs, New Jersey Office of the Attorney General (United States of America); and Roy Toner, Assistant Chief Constable, Police Service of Northern Ireland. Panel discussions and workshop presentations provided participants with the opportunity to share information and best practices on three main themes: recognizing and embracing diversity, policing with a national security agenda at the forefront and civilian oversight.
Strategies put forward on these three themes included civilian oversight mechanisms, as well as training and education at all levels as an important step in broadening the understanding of Canada's diversity. The results of the forum will be shared at the upcoming RCMP conference in Winnipeg, from June 4 to 7, 2003. The RCMP's Respect in Service Conference is an international Aboriginal and Diversity Law Enforcement Conference, co-hosted by the Department of Canadian Heritage's Multiculturalism Program. It will bring together representatives from law enforcement agencies and the Aboriginal and ethno-racial communities to discuss solutions in our ever-changing policing environment.
Canada's Multiculturalism Policy, which falls under the Canadian Multicul turalism 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.
Information:
Naline Rampersad
Press Secretary
Office of the Secretary of State (Multiculturalism) (Status of Women)
(819) 997-9900
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