Canada Announces Support for Promotion of Cultural Diversity
OTTAWA, November 2, 1999 -- Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps today announced a contribution to the Coalition for Cultural Diversity (CCD) of $ 300,000 over three years, as well as an additional contribution, equivalent to funding obtained by the CCD from the private sector, to a maximum of $ 100,000 annually. Minister Copps made this announcement during the CCD's launch of a new pan-Canadian initiative to promote the importance of cultural diversity, both in Canada and abroad."The work which the pan-Canadian coalition is undertaking is key to the development of cultural diversity in this era of globalization," stated Minister Copps. "Governments can act as a catalyst, but it is the various players in the cultural sector who are the spearhead."
The Coalition for Cultural Diversity was founded in 1998 by a number of leading Quebec professional cultural associations. The CCD recognized the pressing need for the cultural sector to work at home and abroad, in partnership with the cultural community and governments, to raise awareness of the importance of cultural diversity in an increasingly open, global economy. Robert Pilon, former Vice President of Public Affairs of l'ADISQ, will serve as Executive Vice-President of the Coalition which is being expanded to include cultural industry associations from across Canada.
The coalition will be working with the Canadian Conference of the Arts (CCA). The CCA has begun organizing an international alliance of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), with support from the Department of Canadian Heritage, to parallel the International Network on Cultural Policy established by Minister Copps and her ministerial colleagues from around the world.
"Today, our announcement ensures that the CCD will have the funds it requires. The CCA and the CCD have declared their intent to work closely together, and we welcome this," said Copps.
Information:
Catherine Gagnaire
Communications Assistant
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
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