Diversity and Culture; a Forum for all Canadians
By Sheila Copps Minister of Canadian Heritage and Jean Augustine Secretary of State (Multiculturalism) (Status of Women)Diversity and Culture: a Forum for all Canadians
As Canadians, we take pride in having created a society in which there is a sense of belonging and mutual respect among all peoples in Canada. But building an open and inclusive society is an ongoing process. As Canada grows ever more diverse, it has become increasingly apparent that the institutions that shape how we see and understand one another have failed to foster inclusiveness.
While the number of Canadians belonging to visible minorities doubled in the last decade, they remain significantly under-represented in our country's cultural life. In 1996, only 7.7 percent of Canadians who held jobs in art, culture, recreation and sport were members of visible minorities, despite the fact that visible minorities made up 11.2 percent of the total population. (The Census reports that members of visible minority groups comprised 13.4 percent of Canada's population in 2001.)
The lack of diversity represented in the cultural sector's workforce has serious consequences for all Canadians. It means their stories aren't being told, their songs aren't being sung, and precious opportunities to cultivate a better sense of our identity are being missed.
That is why we have hosted cross-country discussions, giving culturally diverse artists and creators a chance to voice their concerns.
We are committed to ensure that all Canadian voices have a chance to be heard, and that all forms of cultural expression have a chance to flourish. We will work with Canadians to develop policies and programs that are inclusive of women and men of all racial and cultural backgrounds.
That's the goal of our Forum on Diversity and Culture, which will take place on April 22 and 23, in Gatineau, Quebec. It will expand on issues raised at pre-forum meetings and open up dialogue between racially and culturally diverse artists and creators and representatives of federal cultural institutions. It is a Canadian solution to how Canada's cultural life can better reflect its robust diversity.
Information:
Sonya-Kim St-Julien
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of
Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
Catherine Gagnaire
Press Secretary
Office of the Secretary of State
(Multiculturalism) (Status of Women)
(819) 997-9900
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