Government of Canada supports Public education program to combat hate and bias activities
LONDON, November 12, 2004 -- Minister of Labour and Housing and Member of Parliament (London North Centre), Joe Fontana, on behalf of Minister of State (Multiculturalism) Raymond Chan, today announced $79,000 in funding for the Association for the Elimination of Hate. The funds will enable the organization to launch a two-year public awareness program to inform the community about issues related to hate- and bias-motivated activities in the London area."London is becoming increasingly diverse. Almost 19 percent of its residents were born abroad, and 9 percent are visible minorities; we need to ensure that each of them has a place at the table," said Minister Fontana. "Public education is the key to opening the door to a more respectful and equitable community."
"Diversity is a defining characteristic of Canadian society and we need to make an extra effort to address any problems that threaten social cohesion," said Minister of State Chan. "It is projects such as these that will help us build inclusive communities."
The "Anti-Hate Programming" project follows up on recommendations that were made in the research report "Hate Crime and Bias Activity in the City of London," released October 2001. The focus of the project is to raise community awareness of hate crime and bias activity, to encourage the London region to address these issues, and to provide support to those who are the most vulnerable.
Financial assistance is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage through its Multiculturalism Program. Canada's Multiculturalism Policy promotes full and equitable participation in Canadian society for people of all origins and encourages interaction between communities of different ethnic, racial, and religious backgrounds. It also encourages public institutions to be respectful and inclusive of Canada's multicultural character.
Funding announced today was provided for in the March 2004 federal budget.
Information:
Roy Bornmann
Office of the Minister of State
(Multiculturalism)
(819) 997-9900
Daniela Bolivar
Special Assistant
Office of the Minister of Labour and Housing
(613) 992-1210
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