Canadian Heritage to Grant $30,000 for Youth Project to United Way of Regina
REGINA, December 6, 1999 -- The Honourable Hedy Fry, Secretary of State (Multiculturalism) (Status of Women), and the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister responsible for the Canadian Wheat Board and Minister of Natural Resources, and Member of Parliament for Wascana, today announced a grant of $30,000 to the United Way of Regina for a project to train young people in combatting racism."In the Throne Speech, the Government renewed its commitment to Canada's young people, to give them opportunities to develop their skills and become active and engaged citizens," said Dr. Fry. "This project will contribute to fulfilling that promise in a very tangible way for Regina's youth."
"The Government of Canada is very serious about tackling the problem of racism," said Minister Goodale. "It's encouraging to see the United Way of Regina training Regina's young people to lead the fight against racism and race-based crimes."
This project, the first part of a proposed multi-year project, will include information and exercises for Regina young people on the nature of racism and stereotypes, as well as training in leadership skills, goal-setting, and decision-making. The training will be done in partnership with the Regina Public School Board using experienced trainers from the community. In subsequent years, young people will use the training to establish initiatives to combat racism.
The grant was awarded under the Multiculturalism Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program serves three key purposes, all of which are dedicated to making Canada a better place to live. It 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 the barriers to society. This initiative is an example of the Government of Canada's commitment to the values of respect, equality and diversity.
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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