Government of Canada announces funding for youth project in Saskatchewan
REGINA, December 10, 2003 -- Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Member of Parliament (Wascana) Ralph Goodale, on behalf of Secretary of State Jean Augustine (Multiculturalism) (Status of Women), today announced funding of $415,000 over three years for the Youth Action Now Organizing Committee to help finance a project to develop youth leadership in multiculturalism issues."This project will give young people from across Saskatchewan the opportunity to develop local activities that benefit their communities," said Minister Goodale. "Saskatchewan residents will see the results not only in our centennial year in 2005, but for many years to come."
"This project will support many of the Multiculturalism Policy objectives, including combatting racism and promoting shared citizenship, whereby people of all backgrounds have the chance to contribute to Canada," said Secretary of State Augustine. "It will also support the development of our young people, which will ensure a strong Canadian society for the future."
The project, entitled "Youth Action Now: Building a Multicultural Dialogue and a Blueprint for the Future," is being undertaken by the Youth Action Now Organizing Committee, composed of members from the Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan and the Ukrainian-Canadian Congress Ñ Saskatchewan Provincial Council. Local youth forums, to be held in seven regions across the province, will be the starting point to develop action plans for activities that combat racism, celebrate diversity, and support multiculturalism in local institutions. Stronger connections will also be forged among groups of young people in Manitoba, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut.
Financial assistance is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage through its Multicultural Program. Canada's Multiculturalism Policy promotes full and equitable participation from people of all origins in Canadian society, as well as interaction between diverse individuals and communities. It also encourages public institutions to be respectful and inclusive of Canada's multicultural character.
Funding for this project 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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