The Government of Canada supports multicultural projects in the Atlantic Region to build a strong and inclusive Canada
News release
MONCTON, August 14, 2025
Canadian identity and culture drive innovation, economic growth and national pride. By supporting community initiatives that celebrate our cultural diversity, bring people together, and create spaces to share our diverse stories, heritage and traditions, we strengthen the bonds that unite us and build a Canada where everyone belongs.
Today, David Myles, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages and to the Secretary of State (Nature) and Member of Parliament (Fredericton–Oromocto), announced over $1,200,000 in funding for projects under the Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program.
Through this funding, communities in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador will benefit from projects that advance anti-racism, diversity and inclusion; intercultural and interfaith understanding; and research to build awareness of the disparities and challenges faced by equity-deserving populations. Projects include interactive cultural events like festivals and celebrations, as well as projects to reduce barriers to employment in the arts and culture sectors.
As part of the funding commitments, an investment of $154,325 is allocated to support Satellite Théâtre, a Moncton-based organization that uses theatre to explore identity, migration and cultural dialogue. The funding will help provide tools, opportunities and spaces to racialized artists and cultural workers and empower them to become leaders within their communities.
With investments in our communities and in the promotion of multicultural and anti-racism projects, these initiatives are key to strengthening Canada’s cultural and social fabric.
| Projects receiving funding under the Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Region | Recipient | Project |
Funded amount |
| New Brunswick | Satellite Théâtre | Multiculturalisme dans le théâtre acadien | $154,325 |
| Star Light Entertainment Association Inc. | Summer Soulsa 2025 | $12,000 | |
| Greater Moncton Scottish Association Inc. (The) | 19th annual Greater Moncton Highland Games & Scottish Festival | $15,000 | |
| Cedar Festival | Lebanese Cedar Festival | $7,000 | |
| Filipino-Canadian Community of New Brunswick Incorporated | 10 Years of Filipino Heritage: New Brunswick’s Celebration 2025 & 2026 | $20,000 | |
| Jamaican Canadian Association of New Brunswick | Atlantic JerkFest 2025 | $5,000 | |
| Asian Heritage Society of New Brunswick Inc. - Saint John Chapter | Greater Saint John Asian Heritage Month Celebrations | $22,000 | |
| Asian Heritage Society of New Brunswick Inc. - Fredericton Chapter | 2025 Asian Heritage Month, Celebrating Canada and Asian Partnership | $35,000 | |
| Arab Culture Club - Club de Culture Arabe Inc. | Arab Heritage Festival 2025 | $25,000 | |
| Nova Scotia | Eye Level Gallery Society | Developing Eye Level’s Anti-Racism Policies in advance of hiring and HR changes | $48,520 |
| Dalhousie University | Pathways to Equity: Black and Indigenous Curatorial Mentorships and Cultural Leaderships Initiative | $105,580 | |
| Filipino Cultural Society of Nova Scotia | Philippine Fiesta! Halifax 2025 | $8,000 | |
| South Shore Multicultural Association | South Shore Multicultural Festival 2025 | $13,000 | |
| Union of Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq (The) | Indian Day School Commemoration Mawio'mi | $60,000 | |
| Atlantic Kite Festivals Society | East Coast Kite Festival 2025 | $7,000 | |
| Africa Festival of Arts and Culture Society (Afacs) | 2025 Africa Festival of Arts and Culture (Afrifest) (Year 1) / 2026 Africa Festival of Arts and Culture (Afrifest) (Year 2) | $58,000 | |
| Jamaican Cultural Association of Nova Scotia (Jcans) | JCANS 12th Caribbean Diaspora Multicultural Celebration | $27,000 | |
| Ndi Igbo Cultural Association, Ns | Áfàméfùnà & Iri-Ji 2025: Harvest of Stories & Yams | $7,000 | |
| Sanskar Cultural Society | Holi: The Color Carnival - Celebrating Asian Heritage | $4,750 | |
| Delmore Buddy Daye Learning Institute Inc. | The African Nova Scotian History Challenges Awards Ceremony | $16,300 | |
| Celtic Cultural Society of Nova Scotia | 2025 Halifax Celtic Cultural Festival | $23,000 | |
| Nova Multifest Society | Nova Multifest 2025 | $35,000 | |
| Bangladesh Community Association of Nova Scotia | Promoting Inclusivity: Initiatives Against Anti-Asian Racism in Nova Scotia by observing Bengali New Year | $3,500 | |
| Cedar Festival | Lebanese Cedar Festival | $7,000 | |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Labrador Creative Arts Festival Inc. | Labrador Creative Arts Festival: Transforming the Next 50 | $125,000 |
| Association for New Canadians | Pathways to Leadership: Empowering Newcomer and Racialized Youth in NL’s Arts and Creative Industry | $169,232 | |
| Eastern Edge Art Gallery Inc. | Art for Equity: Outreach Tour and Symposium | $200,000 | |
| Benoits Cove Elmastukwek | Mawiomi | $12,000 | |
Quotes
“A strong and inclusive Canada is one where everyone sees themselves reflected in our stories, our stages and our cultural spaces. Culture is not only an expression of who we are; it’s a core pillar of our sovereignty and economic strength. By supporting anti-racism initiatives and promoting cultural diversity, we help build communities that are vibrant, equitable and connected.”
—The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages
“These investments will have a meaningful impact across Atlantic Canada. They support the artists and organizations who bring our communities together, celebrate our diversity and challenge us to grow.”
—David Myles, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages and to the Secretary of State (Nature) and Member of Parliament (Fredericton–Oromocto)
Quick facts
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The projects announced today represent a total investment of $1,225,207 in Atlantic Canada.
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Satellite Théâtre Inc. is a non-profit organization based in Moncton whose mandate is to promote a modern and open Francophone community in Canada through theatrical productions and outreach activities. This creative and touring theatre company produces shows that highlight the voices of marginalized people, whether they are Acadian, English-speaking, Indigenous or newcomers.
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Satellite Théâtre is receiving $154,325 from the Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program for a project that supports the removal of barriers faced by racialized groups in the artistic and cultural sectors. The project will implement intercultural awareness initiatives targeting artistic organizations in New Brunswick, with a particular focus on the theatre community.
Associated links
Contacts
For more information (media only), please contact:
Hermine Landry
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages
hermine.landry@pch.gc.ca
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
media@pch.gc.ca