Government of Canada Announces Funding for the North Okanagan Social Planning Society
VERNON, March 20, 2003 -- Minister of Natural Resources and Member of Parliament (VancouverÑSouth-Burnaby) Herb Dhaliwal, on behalf of Secretary of State (Multiculturalism) (Status of Women) Jean Augustine, today announced funding of $8,200 for the North Okanagan Social Planning Society to help finance its Reaching Across Difference (RAD) Group project."I am pleased that the Multiculturalism Program supports this valuable youth initiative," said Secretary of State Augustine. "It is important to listen to what young people have to say about eliminating racial discrimination."
"This project shows how a community can come up with new approaches to engage young people in anti-racism and anti-discrimination education," said Mr. Dhaliwal. "Youth will have a creative outlet to tell their stories."
This funding will help the Youth Anti-Racism Committee, known as the Reaching Across Differences Group, expand its youth network in the North Okanagan. The RAD group will also invite youth to address racism in their community in an innovative and exciting new way: through film-making. Working in partnership with the local Red Carpet Film Festival, the RAD group will promote the development of youth films that address multiculturalism, racism, and discrimination. The objective is to have a film ready for viewing on March 21, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
Canada's Multiculturalism Policy promotes full and equitable participation in Canadian society of people of all origins, as well as interaction between diverse individuals and communities of different origins. It also encourages public institutions to be respectful and inclusive of Canada's multicultural character.
Financial assistance is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage through its Multiculturalism program. Funding for the initiative was provided for in the February 2003 federal Budget.
Information:
Naline Rampersad
Press Secretary
Office of the Secretary of State (Multiculturalism) (Status of Women)
(819) 997-9900
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