Minister of State Augustine Tables Annual Report on Canadian Multiculturalism Act, Marks Fifteenth Anniversary of Proclamation of Act
OTTAWA, February 6, 2004 -- The Honourable Jean Augustine, Minister of State (Multiculturalism and Status of Women), today tabled the Annual Report on the Operation of the Canadian Multiculturalism Act for 2002Ñ2003, in the House of Commons."It is with great pride that today I present this Annual Report, which marks the fifteenth anniversary of the proclamation of the Act," said Minister of State Augustine. "We have made so much progress in fifteen years. Federal departments have worked together to develop programs and policies that encourage diversity so that all Canadians have an equal opportunity to contribute to the economic, social, cultural, and political life of Canada, regardless of race, ethnic origin, or religion."
The report outlines the activities undertaken by federal departments and agencies to advance the values and principles of multiculturalism.
One of the highlights is the launch of the Ethnic Diversity Survey (EDS), a joint project of Canadian Heritage and Statistics Canada.
"The Ethnic Diversity Survey shows us we have made considerable progress, but much work remains to be done," said Minister of State Augustine. "It is sobering to note that the EDS shows that almost 50 percent of Black Canadians say they have experienced some form of discrimination in the past five years. This statistic is a stark reminder that we must continue our relentless efforts to fight against racism and discrimination."
In addition to tabling the Annual Report, the Minister of State announced the research recipients of the Multiculturalism Issues in Canadian Society Strategic Research Grants Program. The initiative, a partnership between the Department of Canadian Heritage's Multiculturalism Program and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC), will make available $3 million over three years for researchers to explore multiculturalism issues.
"I am extremely pleased with the quality of the 18 research projects selected and I congratulate all the recipients. Research is an important tool in developing effective policies and programs," added Minister of State Augustine.
"As changing demographics and new immigration patterns transform our society, research in multiculturalism issues is increasingly relevant," said Marc Renaud, President of SSHRC. "This research will help us ensure that the many and diverse communities that enrich our country have full and equal access to social, cultural, and economic opportunities."
Canada's Multiculturalism Policy promotes full and equitable participation in Canadian society for people of all origins and encourages interaction among communities of different ethnic, racial, and religious backgrounds. It also encourages public institutions to be respectful and inclusive of Canada's multicultural character.
For more information on the Multiculturalism Policy and Program, the Annual Report, or Black History Month, please visit our Web site:
www.canadianheritage.gc.ca/progs/multi/index_e.cfm
For information on the Ethnic Diversity Survey:
www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/030929/d030929a.htm
For information on the Multiculturalism Issues in Canadian Society Strategic Research Grants Program:
www.sshrc.ca/web/winning/comp_results/2004_multiculturalism_e.asp
Information:
Fred Sherman
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of State
(Multiculturalism and Status of Women)
(819) 997-9900
BACKGROUNDER
Annual Report
on the Operation of the Canadian Multiculturalism Act 2002Ñ2003
- The Annual Report provides a synopsis of the 2002Ñ2003 fiscal year activities undertaken by federal departments and agencies to advance the values and principles of multiculturalism.
- The Report recognizes the importance of cooperation and partnership not only among federal partners but also with other levels of government, institutions, businesses, associations, and voluntary groups.
- Some 94 departments, agencies, and Crown corporations submitted reports on their activities with respect to the requirements of the Canadian Multiculturalism Act.
- These reports are summarized in the Annual Report in five categories: equal opportunity in federal institutions; capacity building; enhancing the understanding of and respect for diversity; research; and language skills and cultural understanding.
The Anniversary of the Canadian Multiculturalism Act
- The submission of the Annual Report on the Operation of the Canadian Multiculturalism Act 2002Ñ2003 marks the fifteenth anniversary of the proclamation of the Act.
- The Canadian Multiculturalism Act was adopted by Parliament in July 1988, making Canada the first country in the world to pass a national multiculturalism law.
- The Act builds on Section 27 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which calls for the Charter to be interpreted "in a manner consistent with the preservation and enhancement of the multicultural heritage of Canadians." It draws its strength from the equality provisions in the Citizenship Act, the Canadian Human Rights Act, and the Official Languages Act, and fully supports international human rights agreements.
The Government of Canada's Multiculturalism Policy and Program
- Canada is one of the world's most multicultural countries, claiming more than 200 ethnic origins. More than 13 percent of Canadians are visible minorities a figure that is expected to rise to 20 percent by 2016.
- Multiculturalism supports the belief that all citizens are equal, that they all have the right to participate in society, and that ethnic, racial, and religious differences contribute to a strong and vibrant country.
- The Multiculturalism Program falls under the Department of Canadian Heritage. Its mandate is to strengthen Canada by fostering an inclusive society. This is achieved through four activity areas: Research, Community Action, Institutional Development, and Public Education and Promotion.
The Multiculturalism Issues in Canadian Society
Strategic Research Grants Program
- The Multiculturalism Issues in Canadian Society Strategic Research Grants Program is a joint initiative between the Multiculturalism Program of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC). Please see the SSHRC Web site for details:
www.sshrc.ca/web/winning/comp_results/2004_multiculturalism_e.asp
- The areas of priority for research in 2003Ñ2004 are cross-cultural understanding; social indicators focussed on anti-racism; and the Ethnic Diversity Survey (EDS). The total value of the 18 grants approved is $830,777. The recipients are:
Rachad Antonius
Université du Québec à Montréal
Peter S. Li
University of Saskatchewan
Françoise Armand
Université de Montréal
Lillie L.Q. Lum
Ryerson University
Ida E. Berger
Ryerson University
Priya S. Mani
University of Manitoba
Marie-Thérèse Chicha
Université de Montréal
Masao Nakamura
University of B.C.
Jennifer Eiserman
University of Calgary
Linda S. Pagani
Université de Montréal
John R. Graham
University of Calgary
Jeffrey G. Reitz
University of Toronto
Mylène Jaccoud
Université de Montréal
Izumi Sakamoto
University of Toronto
Ingrid Johnston
University of Alberta
Shaheen Shariff
McGill University
Annick Lenoir
Université de Sherbrooke
Dawn M. Zinga
Brock University
The collaboration involves joint funding of $3 million over fiscal years 2003Ñ2004, 2004Ñ2005, and 2005Ñ2006. The objectives of the program are to:
Ï facilitate and promote innovative research on multiculturalism issues in contemporary Canadian society;
Ï generate, disseminate, and transfer knowledge that directs the development of policies, programs, and practices to help foster and promote an inclusive society;
Ï help Canadian post-secondary and research institutions develop expertise in issues relevant to cultural, ethnic, racial, and religious diversity; and
Ï promote public dialogue about, and understanding of, multiculturalism and diversity issues. BACKGROUNDER
Did you know . . .? Fast Facts on Multiculturalism
- When asked to describe Canada, 85 percent of Canadians described it as being a multicultural society. (Communications Canada survey "Role of Social Values," March 2003)
- Some 80 percent of Canadians agree that multiculturalism enhances the value of Canadian citizenship. (Centre for Research and Information on Canada, October 2003)
- According to the 2001 Census, 18.4 percent of the total population was born outside Canada, the highest percentage of immigrants in 70 years. (2001 Census, Statistics Canada)
- Immigration now accounts for more than 50 percent of total population growth in Canada. (2001 Census, Statistics Canada)
- More than 200 different ethnic origins were reported in the 2001 Census question on ethnic ancestry. Ethnic origin, as defined in the Census, refers to the ethnic or cultural group(s) to which an individual's ancestors belonged. (2001 Census, Statistics Canada)
- In 2002, visible minorities represented 37 percent of the population of Toronto and Vancouver, and are projected to represent 50 percent by 2016. (Canada: a demographic overview 2001, Canadian Heritage)
- Canada's labour force is estimated to grow to 17.8 million in 2010, an increase from 16 million in 2000. Approximately one-quarter of the population entering the labour force will be young people. Another 10 percent of the labour force will be immigrants arriving in Canada between now and 2010. (2001 Census, Statistics Canada)
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