Canadian Government Launches 1998 March 21 Anti-Racism Campaign
TORONTO, January 7, 1998 -- Secretary of State (Multiculturalism) (Status of Women), the Honourable Hedy Fry, and Anthony Sherwood, March 21 Campaign Co-Chairs, today launched the 1998 March 21 Campaign to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. This is the 10th annual March 21 Campaign to raise awareness about racism and to encourage individuals and organizations to eliminate racial discrimination."Canadians are justifiably proud of their international reputation as a model for peaceful and respectful integration of cultures," said Dr. Fry. "Still, we need to be vigilant to ensure that racism has no place in our society, indeed in our world. The national March 21 Campaign is an annual reminder that every one of us has a role to play in putting an end to racism."
Several Canadian personalities have made pledges to take action against racism and joined Dr. Fry in encouraging Canadian youth to take part in the 1998 Stop Racism National Video Competition. They include: TV hosts Jonathan Torrens of CBC, Genevieve Borne of Musique Plus and Master T of MuchMusic, musicians Dubmatique, Sara Craig and Dal-Dil-Vog, former Toronto Raptor John Long, Lincoln Alexander, Chair of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation, and media personalities Adrienne Clarkson, Pamela Wallin, Sonja Smits and Suzanne Boyd.
The Stop Racism National Video Competition is a key component of the March 21 Campaign. It is open to youth in Grades 7 to 13 and CEGEP. The contest closes on February 16 (please note that the deadline has been extended to February 27 - please see News Release). Beginning March 21, the 10 winning videos will be broadcast on CBC/Radio-Canada and on MuchMusic/Musique Plus in an edited format.
More information on the competition and materials to help develop community events are available by calling 1-888-March21 and on the March 21 web site:
http://www.march21.gc.ca.
"The March 21 Campaign is just one of the ways we can work together to make Canada a better place," said Mr. Sherwood. "Make your mark by showing that you won't tolerate racism."
The Department of Canadian Heritage was joined in launching the Campaign by corporate partners: the Royal Bank of Canada, Panasonic, Sympatico, Onramp Communications and by its media partners: CBC/Radio-Canada and MuchMusic/Musique Plus.
Information:
Artur Wilczynski
Executive Assistant
Office of the Secretary of State
(Multiculturalism) (Status of Women)
(819) 9997-9900
Michael O'Byrne
Communications
Department of Canadian Heritage
(416) 973-7175
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