GATINEAU, March 22, 2005 -- The Honourable Raymond Chan, Minister of State (Multiculturalism), today opened "Canada 2017 - Serving Canada's Multicultural Population for the Future," a two-day policy forum organized by the Multiculturalism Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. The forum will focus on ensuring that the Government of Canada is taking a proactive approach to prepare for the demographic shift we will see in Canada over the next twelve years."We need to look to the future to make sure that our programs and policies anticipate the every day needs of Canadians," said Minister of State Chan. "The data released by Statistics Canada today, as well as the knowledge gained from this forum, will give us important insight into Canada's future. We must be ready to use this knowledge to ensure our programs and policies are reflective of Canadian society."The policy forum, which takes place March 22 and 23, brings together over 200 delegates from about 35 government departments, agencies, and non-governmental organizations to consider the policy implications of the demographic projections. The forum focusses on five major themes: Cities, Labour Markets, Generational Challenges and Opportunities, Health and Social Services, and Public Institutions."Canada's ethnic, racial, and religious diversity continues to evolve at a rapid pace," said Minister of State Chan. "Currently, members of visible minority groups make up about 13.5 percent of Canada's population, a figure that is expected to reach 20 percent by 2017."Immigration now accounts for more than 50 percent of Canada's total population growth, a trend that is expected to increase as our birth rate continues to decline. The composition of immigrant groups arriving in Canada has changed significantly in the last 30 to 40 years: until the 1960s, most new Canadians came from Europe, whereas now the majority originates from Asia and the Middle East.For more information about the policy forum, "Canada 2017 - Serving Canada's Multicultural Population for the Future," please visit the Canadian Heritage Web site at www.pch.gc.ca.For information about Statistics Canada's projection study Canada's Visible Minority Population in 2017, please visit Statistics Canada's Web site at www.statcan.ca. Canada's Multiculturalism Policy, which falls under the Canadian Multiculturalism Ac, promotes full and equitable participation from people of all origins in Canadian society, as well as interaction between diverse individuals and communities. It also encourages public institutions to respect and promote Canada's multicultural character.Information:Roy BornmannOffice of the Minister of State(Multiculturalism)(819) 997-9900 Myriam BrochuChief, Media RelationsCanadian Heritage(819) 997-9314
