TORONTO, October 17, 2005 -- The Honourable Tony Ianno, Minister of State (Families and Caregivers) and Member of Parliament (Trinity—Spadina), on behalf of the Honourable Raymond Chan, Minister of State (Multiculturalism), today announced $400,581 in funding for three projects to encourage members of Toronto's ethno-racial and ethno-cultural communities to participate in their community. Toronto is Canada's largest and most ethnically and culturally diverse city, said Minister of State Ianno. I am proud that our Government is able to support community partners who enable Torontonians of all backgrounds to take an active role in the development of their city. These three projects are fine examples of the partnership that exists between the federal government and the thousands of community organizations across the country, said Minister Chan. We must work together to make sure that Canadians of all ethnocultural, ethnoracial, and religious backgrounds can participate in making their communities safer, more vibrant and welcoming. Scadding Court Community Centre will receive $99,341 over three years to pilot its Community Education and Access to Police Complaints Demonstration Project. The goal of the project is to build trust between ethno-cultural communities and the police, by exploring ways to increase dialogue between the two parties and improve access to the police complaints process.The Urban Alliance on Race Relations's project, Strengthening Partnerships and Building Community Education Through Research Advocacy, will receive $61,240 over two years to conduct research on systemic racism in the education sector in Toronto.The Royal Conservatory of Music will receive $240,000 over three years for its Bridge to Toronto's Communities project to encourage civic involvement among ethnocultural and ethnoracial communities in Toronto's diverse St. Jamestown, Regent Park, and Davenport-Perth neighbourhoods.Financial assistance is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage through its Multiculturalism Program. Canada's Multiculturalism Policy promotes full participation in Canadian society for people of all origins, as well as interaction between individuals and communities of different backgrounds. It also encourages federal institutions to respect and promote Canada's multicultural character.Funding for this initiative was provided for in the February 2005 federal budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework.Information:Roy BornmannOffice of the Minister of State(Multiculturalism)(819) 997-9900Kelly OuimetOffice of the Minister of State (Families and Caregivers)613) 941-3656Mary JagoManager, CommunicationsCanadian Heritage, Ontario Region(416) 954-5312
