Government of Canada Supports Immigration Conference in Prince Edward Island
CHARLOTTETOWN, October 25, 2005 -- The Honourable Shawn Murphy, Member of Parliament (Charlottetown), on behalf of the Honourable Raymond Chan, Minister of State (Multiculturalism), today announced $10,000 in funding for the Prince Edward Island Association for Newcomers to Canada. The funds will enable the Association to host the 2005 Atlantic Region Association of Immigrant Serving Agencies (ARAISA) Conference."This conference is a great opportunity to discuss issues of diversity in this region and to explore ways to attract and retain newcomers to Atlantic Canada," said Mr. Murphy. "I am pleased that the Government of Canada is supporting the ARAISA Conference."
"The Government of Canada strongly believes that we must help immigrants become involved in their communities and take an active part in their social, cultural, economic, and political affairs," said Minister of State Chan. "Together, we can achieve our common goal of a Canada in which everyone is empowered to participate fully in our society."
The Conference, entitled "Atlantic Settlement Conference - Fostering Community Partnerships," will provide an opportunity for the 12 immigrant service agencies operating in Atlantic Canada to discuss current issues, analyse policy developments, and compare programs pertaining to the successful settlement, integration, and retention of immigrants in Atlantic Canada. The Conference will be held in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, from October 26 to 28.
Financial assistance is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage through the Multiculturalism Program. Canada's Multiculturalism Policy, which falls under the Canadian Multiculturalism Act, promotes the full and equitable participation of people of all origins in Canadian society, as well as interaction between diverse individuals and communities. It also encourages public institutions to respect and promote Canada's multicultural character.
Funding announced today was provided for in the February 2005 federal budget.
Information:
Roy Bornmann
Office of the Minister of State (Multiculturalism)
(819) 997-9900
Connie Livingston
Office of Shawn Murphy,
Member of Parliament
(902) 566-7016
Jean-Guy Beaupré
Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-9314
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