Canada's New Government Supports a Conference of Agencies Serving Atlantic Immigrants
ST. JOHN'S, Newfoundland and Labrador, October 2, 2006 - On behalf of the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women, the Honourable Loyola Hearn, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and Member of Parliament (St. John's South-Mount Pearl), congratulated the organizers of the annual conference for the Atlantic Region Association of Immigrant Serving Agencies (ARAISA) that took place in St. John's from September 19 to 21, 2006. This conference, which received Government of Canada funding, will examine ways to help new immigrants settle in Atlantic Canada."Atlantic Canadians know that immigrants are a valuable addition to the region's culture and economy," said Minister Oda. "This conference enabled us to help eliminate the barriers that prevent the full participation of ethnic, racial, religious, and cultural communities in Canadian society."
"I commend ARAISA for its commitment to making Atlantic Canada a desirable destination for immigrants," said Minister Hearn. "Our Government is pleased to support agencies that help immigrants become fully involved in our society."
Examining the theme, "Knowledge, Mobilization, Making the Most of Who and What We Know," ARAISA brought together more than 120 delegates from the Atlantic provinces, British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec, representatives of 12 immigrant-serving agency members, representatives of three levels of government, as well as new Canadians. Participants examined assistance programs for immigrants and determined the best ways to attract new Canadians to small centres and rural areas of Atlantic Canada and help them integrate and remain there.
The Multiculturalism Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage has provided $10,000 in funding to the St. John's-based Association for New Canadians, an ARAISA member. Canada's Multiculturalism Policy, which falls under the Canadian Multiculturalism Act, promotes full and equitable participation from people of all origins in Canadian society and interaction between diverse individuals and communities. It also encourages public institutions to be respectful and inclusive of Canada's multicultural character.
Information:
Véronique Bruneau
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and
Status of Women
819 997-7788
Steve Outhouse
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans
613 992-3474
Claudine Daigle
Director of Communications
Canadian Heritage
Atlantic Region
506 851-3980
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