Government of Canada announces funding for Vision Inter-Cultures
LONGUEUIL, December 4, 2003 -- Yolande Thibeault, Member of Parliament (Saint-Lambert), on behalf of Secretary of State (Multiculturalism) (Status of Women) Jean Augustine, today announced funding of $10,173 for Vision Inter-Cultures for the production of a series of theatre workshops for high school students on the topic of discrimination."By making youth aware of the problem of discrimination, we are helping create a Canada in which all citizens can reach their full potential and fulfil their dreams," said Ms. Thibeault. "Ateliers-théâtre: Cultures en action is an original project that allows youth to better understand the negative aspects of discrimination in our society."
"One of the Government of Canada's key priorities is to help our young people actively participate in Canadian society," said Secretary of State Augustine. "Youth represent our hope for the future; our hope to preserve, for future generations, the values of openness and justice that have made Canada a great nation."
More than 57 workshops have been developed by Vision Inter-Cultures to raise awareness among youth of racial discrimination and give them the opportunity to play an active role in creating an inclusive and respectful society. The workshops will be held during the 2003-2004 school year for about 450 students at the Gérard-Filion school within the Marie-Victorin School Board.
The project will be carried out in four phases: promotion of the project among youth, reflections on the theme of racism, creation of a play, and its presentation in front of an 800-member audience.
Financial assistance is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage through its Multiculturalism Program. Canada's Multiculturalism Policy promotes the active and equitable participation of men and women of all origins in Canadian society, as well as interaction between individuals and diverse communities. It promotes community action against racism and the elimination of institutional systemic barriers. It also encourages public institutions to respect and take into account Canada's multicultural character.
Funding for this initiative was provided for in the February 2003 federal Budget.
Information:
Adam Burns
Press Secretary
Office of the Secretary of State
(Multiculturalism) (Status of Women)
(819) 997-9900
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