Government of Canada Supports the Quebec-Russian Community Reference Centre
LASALLE, June 30, 2005 -- Minister of State (Multiculturalism) the Honourable Raymond Chan, on behalf of Prime Minister of Canada and Member of Parliament (LaSalle-Émard) the Right Honourable Paul Martin, today announced $28,437 in funding for the Quebec-Russian Community Reference Centre (QRCRC). These funds will enable the Centre to implement its civic training program."Knowledge of Canadian institutions is central to the democratic principles that guide our country," said Minister of State Chan. "The government is therefore committed to vigorously supporting this and similar projects that seek to encourage the full participation of Canadians of all origins in our society. These projects, which target youth in particular, will help assure a bright future for our country."
"The Government of Canada is committed to supporting organizations that help members of ethnocultural communities to participate in Canadian society," added Minister of State Chan, on behalf of Prime Minister Paul Martin. "I am pleased that the QRCRC is equipping our youth with the civic knowledge they need to become involved in their community."
Since 2003, the QRCRC has worked with immigrants from the former Soviet Union. In particular, it offers training for members of the Quebec-Russian community. Under its new civic training program, the Centre plans to offer a series of 15 workshops for young adults, aged 18 to 35, to increase their knowledge of Canadian society, and thus enable them to participate more fully in decision-making processes in their adopted country.
Funding is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage through the Multiculturalism Program. Entrenched in the Canadian Multiculturalism Act, the Canadian Multiculturalism Policy promotes the full participation of individuals of all origins in Canadian society, as well as interaction between diverse individuals and communities. It also encourages federal institutions to respect and promote Canada's multicultural character.
Funding announced today was provided for in the February 2005 federal Budget.
Information:
Hilary Humphrey
Office of the Minister of State
(Multiculturalism)
(819) 997-9900
Véronick Raymond
Director, Communications
Québec Region
Canadian Heritage
(514) 283-7698
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