[ Any comments? ]		[ print version ]

RESPONSES TO SPECIFIC QUESTIONS

Question 11: Could you indicate ways to increase the level of awareness about the scourges of racism and racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance in the light of Article 7 of the Convention? In this connection how effective are the measures, in the fields of teaching, education, culture and information which have been undertaken to combat racial prejudice?

1. Government of Canada

Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission

Under the Broadcasting Act, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), which regulates and monitors the Canadian broadcasting system, ensures that the broadcasting system serves the needs and interests of Canadians and, among other things, reflects the multicultural and multi-racial character of Canadian society and the special place of Aboriginal peoples.

The CRTC also uses regulatory measures to prevent forms of racial discrimination.

Promotion/encouragement measures

• In keeping with the CRTC'S ethnic broadcasting policy, authorized commercial ethnic stations offer the various ethno-cultural communities programming that meets their needs. Live-broadcast ethnic stations must devote at least one half of their programming schedule to programs in a third language (not English, French or Aboriginal languages). Ethnic and conventional live broadcasters must also offer programming that reflects the diversity and interests of local communities. Finally, ethnic broadcasters offer a vast range of programs in numerous languages, giving minority ethnic groups access to broadcasting services that meet their needs.

• Under these policies, ethnic broadcasting in Canada has expanded rapidly in recent years. Ethnic programs in Canada are broadcast in various ways, namely, by live-broadcast ethnic and conventional radio stations, by special services, SCMOs (sideband services), remote sound signals, closed circuit systems, community access channels and special cable programming services. Regulatory policies promote the influence of ethnic stations while protecting their financial ability to offer programming in various languages.

• Aboriginal broadcasting, for its part, falls under a separate policy. Under this policy, the CRTC authorizes Aboriginal radio stations to distribute programs relevant to Aboriginal communities. The role of these services is similar to that played by other public services, such as the CBC, as they provide a service not available in the private sector and for which a great need is apparent, especially in the case of Aboriginal languages.

• In 1999, the CRTC approved the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN), the first national Aboriginal television network in the world. The APTN broadcasts programs produced by Aboriginals in all parts of Canada that are of interest to these communities, in English, French and 15 Aboriginal languages. Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities have access to a high percentage of Canadian content programs that reflect the culture, history and concerns of Aboriginal peoples. To make the APTN more accessible, the CRTC made it compulsory for authorized distributors to distribute the APTN.

• To promote their financial viability, the CRTC granted Aboriginal enterprises and other small enterprises an exemption from paying broadcast licensing fees.

Injunctions/preventative measures

The CRTC prohibits broadcasters from disseminating "any abusive comment that, when taken in context, tends to or is likely to expose an individual or group or class of individuals to hatred or contempt on the basis of race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age or mental or physical disability".

2. Provincial and Territorial Governments

Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia has a number of education and cultural programs which have as their objective the amelioration of conditions of racial prejudice. These programs have been very successful and effective in their objective.

In 1990, the provincial government appointed the Black Learner's Advisory Committee (BLAC). The three-volume BLAC Report on Education was published in 1994. This report laid the groundwork for significant structural changes to the Education Act and the Department of Education including the establishment in 1996 of an African-Canadian Services Division within the Department.

The Black Business Initiative is designed to support the development of business and job opportunities among black Nova Scotians. The BBI has provided business support and counselling services to more than 300 clients. Over 57 loans have been provided, and more than $1 million leveraged. In March of 1999, the BBI facilitated the participation of seven companies in a trade mission to Boston, generating $2.1 million in new export sales.

A similar process is taking place between the Department of Education and the Mi'kmaq community; the intended result is much greater Mi'kmaq control over the education of Aboriginal children. The new Education Act legislated the creation of a Council on Mi'kmaq Education and allows for the appointment of a Mi'kmaq representative to each regional school board. Two of the six Anglophone school boards have Mi'kmaq representatives; in the other four regions, the Bands are currently choosing their representatives to the Boards.

A Mi'kmaq Education Consultant position was created by the Department in 1995. The consultant is overseeing changes to the curriculum including a Mi'kmaq Social Studies course to be piloted in five high schools and a Mi'kmaq language course to be offered to Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal children as the second language course option.

Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia's largest university, continues to operate programs designed to encourage and facilitate the enrolment of Black and Aboriginal students. The Transitional Year Program has been operating since 1972. A Black Student Advisory Centre was established in 1992. In 1996, the James Robinson Chair in Black Canadian Studies was established. The Indigenous Black and Mi'kmaq Program at the Law School has been operating since 1989.

The Department of Education established the Office of Race Relations and Cross-Cultural Understanding in 1992. This office is working with school boards, multicultural groups and other education partners in developing anti-racist principles and ap provincial education race relations policy. As well, the office is working with school boards to develop race relations policies at the board level. The anti-racist principles will reinforce the individual's right to an education free from bias, prejudice and intolerance. The race relations policy includes school programs and practices promoting self-esteem and pride in individual cultures and heritages. The Department is also finalizing its provincial student discipline policy which includes sections prohibiting racial harassment. Under the new Education Act, R.S. 1995-96, c. 1, school boards have a duty to establish policies that protect students from harassment and abuse.

In 1996, the Joint Human Rights and Education Committee was re-activated with the Executive Director of the Human Rights Commission and the Deputy Minister of education serving as co-chairs. The Joint Committee acts as forum for discussion and sharing information; it also has a mandate to recommend ways that human rights concepts and issues can be integrated into policies and curriculum development.

The Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission continues to produce and distribute information on discrimination. It also continues to assist with organizations and delivery of conferences on human rights in both the school system and the private sector.

In March 1997, the Nova Scotia Sport and Recreation Commission launched a "Fair Play" program emphasizes zero tolerance for violence, racism and verbal abuse in sports facilities. The program will also promote the right to increased access to sports regardless of racial origin. The City of Halifax has provided a program to immigrant children since 1995 that is designed to increase the children's awareness of recreational opportunities and to feel more comfortable participating.

The Province of Nova Scotia continues to recognize the following events: African Heritage Month, which is celebrated throughout the month of February with numerous events; Aboriginal Treaty Day, which is celebrated on October 1st; and International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination which is commemorated on March 21st each year by special events planned in partnership with provincial government departments, the private sector and federal government.

Since 1996, the March 21st commemoration has taken the form of a Harmony Breakfast and this format has been adopted by other areas.

Questions: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15