Dr. Hedy Fry to Address Conference on the Benefits of Canada's Diverse Work Force to Boost Trade, Create Jobs
OTTAWA, February 14, 1996 The Honourable Hedy Fry, Secretary of State (Multiculturalism)(Status of Women), will address a conference in Toronto that will explore the ways a diverse workforce can help in developing new markets, within Canada and abroad, boosting trade and creating jobs for Canadians."Diversity in small- and medium-sized businesses, corporations and institutions can be a deciding factor in getting ahead in an increasingly competitive world," said Dr. Fry. "I see diversity as an asset for Canada when competing for new trade opportunities and business ventures. I see ourselves as a role model for the world."
She added: "Canada's strength depends on the full participation of all Canadians in every aspect of society. The more Canadians who can contribute, the greater our overall well- being and the greater our ability to achieve our full potential."
The conference will be attended by members of the ethnocultural and business communities and government officials. It will focus on promoting maximum economic growth in Canada by building partnerships and increasing Canada's share of the global markets.
A Conference Board study last year emphasized that competing in the global economy will require an ability to attract, retain, motivate and develop high-potential employees from a variety of cultural and ethnic backgrounds. The study was part of an initiative developed by the Department of Canadian Heritage to help build partnerships among the business sector, various communities and government agencies to maximize Canada's diversity as an economic asset.
Canada has more than 100 ethnic groups. About 42 percent of Canadians report at least one ethnic origin other than English or French and 16 percent were born in another country. More than four million Canadians have a mother tongue other than English or French. This diversity offers Canada a pipeline to increase its trade with the rest of the world, particularly the growing market in Asia, in order to create more jobs and increase economic growth in Canada.
The conference will take place at the Royal York Hotel on February 15 and February 16 on the theme of "Ethnocultural Diversity: A source of Competitive Advantage." It is sponsored by the Conference Board of Canada and the Canadian Ethnocultural Council with the assistance of the Department of Canadian Heritage.
Information:
Artur Wilczynski
Legislative-Media Assistant
Office of the Hon. Hedy Fry
Tel. (819) 997-9900
Fax: (819) 953-8055
Internet: Artur_Wilczynski@pch.gc.ca
Azhar Ali Khan
Communications Branch
Canadian Heritage
Tel. (819) 994-5602
Fax: (819) 953-5521
Internet: Azhar_Ali_Khan@pch.gc.ca
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