WINNIPEG, February 10, 2007 - On behalf of the Honourable Beverley Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women, as well as the Honourable Jason Kenney, Secretary of State (Multiculturalism and Canadian Identity), Joy Smith, Member of Parliament (Kildonan-St. Paul) today announced funding of $12,800 for The University of Winnipeg Global College. This support will be used for the Human Rights and Social Justice Conference--a central event for Human Rights Action Week--which will include a session devoted to the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The event will take place at the University of Winnipeg from February 23-25, 2007.
"Canada's New Government is committed to supporting the values of freedom, democracy, the rule of law, and human rights," said Secretary of State Kenney. "This conference will address important human rights issues, including the rights of war-affected children."
"Over two days, an estimated 400 people will come to Winnipeg to hear high-profile speakers and discuss issues and opportunities surrounding human rights," said Ms. Smith. "Outreach efforts will ensure that research and documentation will be available online and through podcasts to those who cannot travel to the conference."
"The University of Winnipeg is committed to creating a better understanding of human rights issues around the globe by engaging and educating young people and community members," said Lloyd Axworthy, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Winnipeg. "Through our Human Rights and Social Justice Conference: Setting the Agenda for the UN Human Rights Council, we are addressing the pertinent issues of war-affected children, as well as gender rights and the rights of indigenous people; and we are empowering our participants to learn how they can affect international human rights policy."
The University of Winnipeg's Global College is a centre for thought and action that promotes the understanding of local and global issues through academic programs and community initiatives that educate students and civil society on issues of global concern and promote civic engagement and global citizenship.
Information :
Neil Desai
Senior Policy Advisor
Office of the
Secretary of State
(Multiculturalism and Canadian Identity)
819 934-1122
Stacey Meek
Chief of Staff
Office of the Member of Parliament for
Kildonan-St. Paul
205 984-6322
Donald Boulanger
A/Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 994-9101
