SASKATOON, July 30, 2007 - On behalf of the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women, the Honourable Carol Skelton, Minister of National Revenue and Member of Parliament (Saskatoon-Rosetown-Biggar), today announced $35,000 in funding for the Saskatchewan Intercultural Association for its Making Canada Safe, Inclusively public forum.
"Canada's New Government is proud to support the Making Canada Safe, Inclusively forum, which will bring together several hundred participants from Saskatchewan, including approximately 400 grade 12 students from Saskatoon-area high schools" said Minister Oda. Together, they will explore issues of security, racism, and human rights protection in the context of new security measures from local, national, and international perspectives. This conference will create opportunities for dialogue among people of different cultural backgrounds, particularly immigrants, refugees, and Aboriginal peoples.
"The Saskatchewan Intercultural Association's public forum will be an exceptional opportunity to increase awareness about the importance of creating a safe and cohesive society, while also respecting the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights," said Minister Skelton.
The event will begin with a youth forum, on November 27, and will be followed by a general forum, on November 28 and 29. Between 500 and 600 participants are expected, including approximately 400 young people.
"This conference is an attempt to initiate a process of including citizens in the formulation of policies and legislation to ensure the security of all Canadians," said Nayyar Javed, President of the Saskatchewan Intercultural Association.
The Saskatchewan Intercultural Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of equal opportunities and fair treatment of all people in a culturally diverse society.
Canada's New Government has provided this funding through the Human Rights Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage, which provides grants and contributions to projects that increase the awareness, knowledge, and practical enjoyment of human rights.
Information:
Véronique Bruneau
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Status of Women
819 997-7788
Donald Boulanger
A/Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 994-9101
