Government of Canada Marks Asian Heritage Month with New Support for Local Diversity Projects
WINNIPEG, May 1st , 2004 -- The Government of Canada will partner with various Manitoba community organizations to bridge differences, promote understanding and bring down barriers created by racism, discrimination and hate. The announcement was made during today's Asian Heritage Month opening ceremonies by the Honourable Rey Pagtakhan, Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Member of Parliament (Winnipeg North -- St. Paul), on behalf of the Honourable Jean Augustine, Minister of State (Multiculturalism and Status of Women)."Asian Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate how Canada is strengthened by its multiculturalism," said Minister Pagtakhan. "I am very pleased that our Government is working with these groups in support of local diversity projects. We must all continue to work to achieve the equality of all Canadians in the economic, social, cultural and political life of Canada."
The organizations that will receive this funding are: the Volunteer Centre of Winnipeg, the Asian Heritage Society of Manitoba, the University of Winnipeg - Education, the Workers of Colour Support Network, International African Child Relief and Peace Foundation of Canada, the African Canadian Disability Community Association, Employment Projects of Winnipeg, the Thompson Citizenship Council, and the Manitoba Association of Rights and Liberties.
"I encourage all Canadians to participate in Asian Heritage Month activities. It is an ideal time to learn more about the contributions that Canadians of Asian origin have made to the development of our country, and to celebrate the values of respect and openness that are the cornerstones of our society," said Minister of State Augustine.
They will use this financial contribution to: undertake research; stimulate informed public dialogue; develop best practices for the delivery of culturally appropriate services to the disabled within the ethnocultural community; develop training manuals; test and deliver anti-racism sensitivity training courses; engage youth, adults and leaders, and study the adaptation and development of immigrant and refugee children.
The funding, which totals $461,900, will be provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage through the Multiculturalism Program. This program promotes full and equitable participation in Canadian society by 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.
Funding for these projects was provided for in the March 2004 federal Budget. A backgrounder is attached.
Information:
Fred Sherman
Press Secretary
Office of the Secretary of State
Multiculturalism and Status of Women
(819) 997-9900
Volunteer Centre of Winnipeg Inc.
Project: CVI - Ethnocultural Community Leadership Development in Brandon and Thompson - Enhancing Community Capacity
Amount: $20,000
Asian Heritage Society of Manitoba
Project: Asian Heritage Month Activities -- May 2004
Amount: $14,000
University of Winnipeg, Education
Project: New Canadian Children Youth Study, Phase 2
Amount: $50,000
Workers of Colour Support Network Inc.
Project: Phase 2 -- WOCSN Discussion Leader Anti-Racism Training Manual
Amount: $17,800
International African Child Relief and Peace Foundation of Canada
Project: Towards Active Citizenship: Youth and Eradication of Female Genital
Mutilation
Amount: $39,000
African Canadian Disability Community Association
Project: Development of best practices for service delivery: accommodating people with disabilities of ethnocultural background
Amount: $84,000
Employment Projects of Winnipeg
Project: Inclusive Workplaces: Strategies for Success
Amount: $165,000
The Thompson Citizenship Council Inc.
Project: Removing Barriers to Equal Opportunities: Building an Inclusive and Cohesive Society - Phase 1
Amount: $55,500
The Manitoba Association for Rights and Liberties
Project: Responding to Hate
Amount: $16,600
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