Ottawa, March 23, 2009 — Organizations representing Chinese, Italian, Jewish and Indian communities in Canada are being encouraged to submit proposals under the Community Historical Recognition Program (CHRP), which commemorates wartime measures and immigration restrictions in Canada’s past.
“As we enter year two of the Community Historical Recognition Program and open the second call for proposals, I encourage eligible organizations to consider how they might undertake meaningful projects to ensure that their experiences are shared with others,” said Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney.
First launched in May 2008, the CHRP is a grants and contributions program which makes available $25.4 million for community-based commemorative and educational projects related to historical wartime measures and immigration restrictions applied in Canada. Eligible projects include monuments, commemorative plaques, exhibits and educational materials and activities.
“This Government believes it is important for all Canadians to understand our history,” said Minister Kenney. “This also includes the more unfortunate events that are inconsistent with the values of Canadians today.”
Proposals that meet the program’s criteria are reviewed by community advisory committees, whose role is to provide advice on the merit of projects to the Minister through Citizenship and Immigration Canada officials.
To access the CHRP guidelines and application form, please visit the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website.
For further information (media only), please contact:
Alykhan Velshi
Minister’s Office
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Alykhan.Velshi@cic.gc.ca
Media Relations Unit
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-1650
CIC-Media-Relations@cic.gc.ca