Secretary of State Launches Stop Racism National Video Competition
VANCOUVER, December 13, 1996 The Honourable Hedy Fry, Secretary of State (Multiculturalism) (Status of Women), announced today the Stop Racism National Video Competition to commemorate March 21, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination."The National Video Competition gives young people an opportunity to express, through the lens of the camera, what positive changes can be made to eliminate racial discrimination," Dr. Fry told a student audience at Lord Byng Secondary School in Vancouver, where the Competition was launched.
Principal Barbara Baker welcomed a number of well-known personalities to the school. TV hosts Jonathan Torrens of CBC's Jonovision and Philippe Femhiu from MusiquePlus; Stu Jackson, General Manager of the Vancouver Grizzlies; singer Megan Metcalf; The Paper Boys, a local group; Vancouver author, Larissa Lai and performer Luck Mervil of Québec's Rude Luck, endorsed the initiative and joined Dr. Fry in the launch.
The Competition is open to students in grades 7-13. Videos must focus on "The Elimination of Racial Discrimination," be between 1 and 3 minutes in length in VHS format and must be postmarked by Friday, February 21, 1997. Winning videos will be broadcast on CBC/Radio-Canada and MuchMusic/MusiquePlus beginning March 21, 1997.
"Young people are the architects of tomorrow's society. If we expect that society to reflect the values of respect and social justice, we must start the process now on how to get this message across," said Dr. Fry. "Who better to speak to future generations than the youth today? This competition we are launching will help to get the message to their friends and neighbours."
The Department of Canadian Heritage is joined in this powerful campaign by the National Video Competition Corporate Partners, The Royal Bank of Canada and Panasonic, and by its Media Partners, CBC/Radio-Canada and MuchMusic/MusiquePlus.
For more information on making a video, access the March 21 web site at http://www.pch.gc.ca/multi/March21.htm or call the March 21 toll-free number at 1-888-March21.
Information:
Artur Wilczynski
Legislative-Media Assistant
Secretary of State (Multiculturalism) (Status of Women)
Tel.: (819) 997-9900
Fax: (819) 953-8055
Internet: Artur_Wilczynski@pch.gc.ca
Erica Claus
Multiculturalism Program
Tel.: (819) 994-2125
Fax: (819) 994-7080
Internet: Erica_Claus@pch.gc.ca
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