SUDBURY, May 14, 2004 -- Support for Diversity Thrives Here, a collaborative project designed to address multiculturalism issues in the recently amalgamated City of Greater Sudbury, was announced today by the Honourable Diane Marleau, Member of Parliament (Sudbury), on behalf of the Honourable Jean Augustine, Minister of State (Multiculturalism and Status of Women)."This project will enable elected officials, policy-makers, service providers, institutional leaders and all those who live in the City of Greater Sudbury to be pro-active in addressing the social, economic, political and cultural needs of the diverse people who live here," said Ms. Marleau.With the involvement of the community and the municipal government, the goal of the project is to establish a community-based Diversity Plan for this northern Ontario city of 155,000 people. This will be done through a series of consultative forums and roundtables addressing a number of diversity-related issues, and culminating, in the fall of 2004, in a Diversity Summit. Issues to be addressed include: capacity and coalition building; institutional change; immigration; racial, cultural and religious minorities; youth leadership; and Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal relations. "City officials and the community recognize the racial, ethnic and religious diversity present in Greater Sudbury, and clearly understand what is needed for the community to thrive," said Minister of State Augustine. "One of the remarkable aspects of the Diversity Thrives Here project is its inclusiveness Ñ indeed, representatives from a wide range of groups are called upon to actively participate in the creation and delivery of this project." Funding of $118,000 for the Diversity Thrives Here project is provided through the Multiculturalism Program of Canadian Heritage. Canada's Multiculturalism Policy promotes full and equitable participation in Canadian society for people of all origins, and encourages interaction between communities of different ethnic, racial and religious backgrounds. It also encourages public institutions to be respectful and inclusive of Canada's multicultural character.Funding for this project was provided for in the March 2004 federal Budget.Information:Fred ShermanPress SecretaryOffice of the Minister of State (Multiculturalism and Status of Women)(819) 997-9900
