Government of Canada Funds Hamilton's Settlement and Integration Services Organization
HAMILTON, November 24, 1999 -- The Honourable Hedy Fry, Secretary of State (Multiculturalism) (Status of Women), and Stan Keyes, Member of Parliament for Hamilton West, today announced a $30,000 grant to the Hamilton Settlement and Integration Services Organization's Building Bridges Between Youth initiative."I am pleased to support the Hamilton Settlement and Integration Services Organization's Building Bridges Between Youth initiative," said Dr. Fry. "In the Speech from the Throne, the Government of Canada made a commitment to achieving a higher quality of life for Canadians. Building Bridges Between Youth is an excellent project which focuses on eliminating racism. By making Canada a society in which our young people are free to celebrate their diversity, we are helping Canadians achieve a higher quality of life."
"I am proud that the government is playing an important role in helping the high number of racially diverse students adjust to the school system," said Mr. Keyes.
Building Bridges Between Youth will implement workshops and educational units which help newcomers adapt to Canadian surroundings. This project will take place in Hamilton schools which have a diverse cultural community. A puppet show, which will be presented by trained youth, is just one example of the variety of interactive learning tools which are part of the initiative.
The Department of Canadian Heritage's Multiculturalism Program serves three key purposes, all of which are dedicated to making Canada a better place to live. The Multiculturalism Program fosters Canadian identity and belonging, encourages all citizens to participate in shaping their communities and their country and creates a more just society by eliminating barriers to society.
This initiative is an example of the Federal Government's commitment to Canadian children, as outlined in the 1999 Speech from the Throne. Funding for this activity was provided for in the February 1999 federal budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework.
Information:
Michael Spowart
Executive Assistant
Office of the Secretary of State
(Multiculturalism) (Status of Women)
(819) 997-9900
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