Government of Canada Announces Support for two Cultural Diversity Projects in Alberta
OTTAWA, November 2, 1999 -- The Honourable Hedy Fry, Secretary of State (Multiculturalism) (Status of Women), today announced funding of $72,540 for two important Multiculturalism projects in Alberta: the Northern Alberta Alliance on Race Relations (NAARR), in Edmonton, and the Lethbridge and Community Cultural Diversity Project, in Lethbridge."Both projects are geared toward working with youth and will play a very important role in their communities by helping to foster a greater understanding between students of different ethnic groups. It is imperative to teach the next generation of Canadian leaders the importance of equality and mutual respect," said Dr. Fry.
Funding of $50,000 will be provided for a project of the Northern Alberta Alliance on Race Relations (NAARR) entitled Anti-Racism Educational Activities - 1999/2000. This project will assist children in dealing with racism in their schools. It will also help teachers to recognize problems of racial discrimination and assist them in incorporating methods of handling this issue in the school curriculum.
The Northern Alberta Alliance on Race Relations has been an important partner in the fight against racism. It brings together key players in anti-racism and cultural diversity work in Northern Alberta. In the past year, its membership has grown to 50 organizations from 40, an increase of 25 per cent.
Funding of $22,540 will be provided for a project of the World Citizens Centre -- Lethbridge. Entitled the Lethbridge and Community Cultural Diversity Project, this initiative will bring together several community organizations to raise the profile of cultural diversity.
The World Citizens Centre -- Lethbridge will serve as a co-ordinating body that will bring together different stakeholders to address cultural diversity issues in Lethbridge, with a primary focus on youth. This will involve providing youth with the knowledge and skills they need to address race relations issues in their community. Another set of activities will revolve around March 21, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
By fostering the multiculturalism policy goals of identity, civic participation and social justice, the Government of Canada encourages participation by all citizens in building and shaping a cohesive and inclusive Canadian society.
Funding for these two projects comes from the Multiculturalism Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. It was provided for in the February 1999 federal budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework.
Information:
Michael Spowart
Executive Assistant
Office of the Secretary of State
(Multiculturalism) (Status of Women)
(819) 997-9900
Kyle Nunas
Communications
Canadian Heritage
(604) 666-6504
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