OTTAWA, October 24, 2007 - On behalf of the Government of Canada , the Honourable Jason Kenney, Secretary of State (Multiculturalism and Canadian Identity), today announced the launch of the 2008 "Racism. Stop It!" National Video Competition for March 21, as part of International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. This competition challenges young Canadians, aged 12 to 18, to create a video, 45 to 60 seconds long, that shares their thoughts on eliminating racism in Canada.
Video competition entries must be received by January 18, 2008. Ten winning entries will be chosen by an independent committee composed of educators and representatives of community organizations, and judged on the basis of video production quality, creativity, and effectiveness of communicating the "Racism. Stop It!" message.
"Although great advances have been made to eliminate racism, the problem still exists, even in an open and inclusive country like Canada," said Secretary of State Kenney. "The National Video Competition gives young people a national forum to speak out against racism and to share their vision of a society free of discrimination."
The Government of Canada has taken new and unprecedented steps to combat racism and strengthen the safety of our communities. In July 2007, the Government announced $3 million for the Communities at Risk: Security Infrastructure Pilot Program, which will assist communities targeted by hate-motivated crime.
The "Racism. Stop It!" National Video Competition is another way that the Government of Canada is leading the fight against hate. The Competition mobilizes thousands of young Canadians in every province and territory to take a stand against racism. It requires little or no acting experience and encourages young people to have fun in the process. It also allows individuals to move beyond recognition of the problem and to take action to "Stop It!"
In partnership with the National Film Board of Canada, anti-racism and technical workshops will be held across the country to encourage participation and offer assistance to young people and educators. Teachers interested in organizing an anti-racism and technical workshop for fellow teachers and students in their area can refer to the online educator's guide at www.march21.gc.ca
The Department of Canadian Heritage wishes to thank its sponsors and partners associated with this year's "Racism. Stop It!" National Video Competition: Panasonic Canada, the National Film Board of Canada and CBC/Radio-Canada.
For complete details or to order promotional materials, please visit www.march21.gc.ca or call
888 77-MULTI / 888 776-8584.
Information:Alykhan Velshi
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Jason Kenney, PC, MP
Secretary of State (Multiculturalism and Canadian Identity)
819 934-1122
