VANCOUVER, May 12, 2004 -- The Honourable Hedy Fry, Member of Parliament (Vancouver Centre), on behalf of the Honourable Hélène Chalifour Scherrer, Minister of Canadian Heritage, today announced the Government of Canada's participation in Simon Fraser University's Community Education Program. By adding a series of community and home-based discussion groups to the two-day symposium, the program will provide information about human rights to individuals who are typically excluded from these discussions. "Forums on human rights issues are important, but sometimes certain communities are unable to attend or feel uncomfortable participating," said Dr. Fry. "This is a very direct way to educate groups such as refugees, immigrants, and women about such issues. I am therefore very pleased to see Simon Fraser University take action by creating innovative opportunities for community-based public participation in discussions on human rights issues.""I am proud that the Government of Canada is supporting this program, which takes human rights discussions out of the lecture hall, where they usually occur, and into the community," said Minister Chalifour Scherrer. "Communities themselves know best what they need and this program allows people who traditionally face social or political exclusion to actively participate in our society by learning more about and debating issues that affect them deeply."Funding of $40,000 will be provided for "Seeking Justice: Human Rights in our Communities," a community-based, public participation program that takes on the issue of systemic exclusion commonly associated with public participation processes.The symposium will provide 200 participants with a forum to explore the complexities and responsibilities related to human rights issues. Outreach sessions to more than 300 people from traditionally excluded communities will be conducted after the symposium. Participants in the smaller discussion groups will have access to such resources as study guides and videos. Peers from the community will animate these discussion groups. Financial assistance is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage through its Human Rights Program. This program provides grants and contributions to projects that increase the awareness, knowledge, and practical enjoyment of human rights. Funding for this initiative was provided for in the February 2003 federal Budget.Information:Jennifer HattonSpecial AssistantOffice of the Hon. Hedy Fry(604) 666-0651Mylène DupéréPress SecretaryOffice of the Minister of Canadian Heritage(819) 997-7788
