MONTRÉAL, July 7, 2005 -- Member of Parliament (Bourassa) Denis Coderre, on behalf of Raymond Chan, Minister of State (Multiculturalism), today announced $80,895 in funding, over three years, for the Centre des jeunes l'Escale 13/17 de Montréal-Nord. This funding will help the organization implement its "Rebondi" project."The Centre des jeunes l'Escale 13/17 de Montréal-Nord does an outstanding job in its work with young people," said Mr. Coderre. "I firmly believe that this project will help improve relations between young people from the ethnocultural communities and the City of Montréal police.""The Government of Canada is committed to supporting organizations that focus on cross-cultural understanding, dialogue, and connections across communities," added Minister of State Chan. "In this way, we will build a more equitable society and safer communities."This three-year project aims to improve relations between young people from ethnocultural communities and the police working in the Montréal-Nord district. It also aims to counter the phenomenon of street gangs, and youth violence and crime. As part of the project, the Centre des jeunes l'Escale 13/17 de Montréal-Nord will aim to reach 10,000 young people through some 300 activities in schools, and athletic, community, and youth centres.Financial assistance is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage through its Multiculturalism Program. Enshrined in the Canadian Multiculturalism Act, Canada's Multiculturalism Policy promotes full and equitable participation in Canadian society by people of all origins, as well as interaction between individuals and communities of different origins. It also encourages public institutions to be respectful and inclusive of Canada's multicultural character.Funding announced today was provided for in the February 2005 federal budget.Information: Roy BornmannOffice of the Minister of State (Multiculturalism)(819) 997-9000 Sylvia Lo BiancoOffice of Denis Coderre, M.P.(514) 323-1212 Véronick RaymondDirector, Public AffairsCanadian HeritageQuebec Region(514) 283-7698
