Government of Canada Announces Funding for the Centre Social d'aide aux Immigrants
MONTRÉAL, August 20, 2003 -- Lucienne Robillard, President of the Treasury Board, Minister responsible for Infrastructure and M.P. (Westmount Ville-Marie), on behalf of Secretary of State (Multiculturalism) (Status of Women) Jean Augustine, today announced funding of $24,000 for the Centre social d'aide aux immigrants to help finance their research to identify strategies that encourage the integration of young Muslims into Canadian society."The social participation of Canadians from different backgrounds is a significant factor in making Canada a force of the future," said Minister Robillard. "I am pleased to announce this financial assistance, which will help integrate young people of Muslim faith into society."
The funding will allow the organization to carry out a research project with two goals. The first is to identify participation strategies that allow these youth to bridge the gap between their community's cultural and religious traditions, and Canadian traditions. The second is to eliminate or reduce the social exclusion of young Muslims by providing them with tools to overcome their identity issues.
Financial assistance is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage through its Multiculturalism Program. This Program promotes full and equitable participation from people of all origins in Canadian society, as well as interaction between diverse individuals and communities. It also encourages public institutions to be respectful and inclusive of Canada's multicultural character.
Funding for this project was provided for in the February 2003 federal Budget.
Information:
Sonya-Kim St-Julien
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
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