Ottawa, September 28, 2010 — Young people from across the country are invited to participate in two important and exciting competitions this fall that celebrate Canadian history and the contribution of our diverse communities to the building of Canada, and which help combat racial discrimination.
The first competition, the Mathieu Da Costa Challenge, highlights the significant contributions made by all Canadians in the building of Canada. To take part, young people aged 9 to 18 must use writing or artwork to show how Canadians of different ethnic backgrounds have shaped our country’s history.
The second competition is the Racism. Stop It! National Video Competition, which invites young people between the ages of 10 and 20 to create and submit videos aimed at combating racial discrimination. The winning videos will be televised across Canada as public service announcements.
“It is important that Canadians develop an understanding of our country’s rich history and that we combat racial discrimination.” said Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism.
“Both competitions provide an excellent opportunity for young people from across Canada to learn about the great history of our Dominion and the diversity of those who contributed to it.”
Creators of winning submissions in both contests will receive all-expenses-paid trips to take part in awards ceremonies – in Halifax for the Mathieu Da Costa Challenge and in Ottawa for the Racism. Stop It! National Video Competition.
Partners of the Mathieu Da Costa Challenge include the Canadian Commission for UNESCO, the Canadian Library Association, the Canadian Race Relations Foundation, Halifax 2011 Canada Games, the Historica-Dominion Institute, the Ontario Black History Society, Parks Canada, and Pier 21 – Canada’s Immigration Museum.
Partners of the Racism. Stop It! National Video Competition include Access TV, the Canadian Commission for UNESCO, the Canadian Library Association, the Canadian Race Relations Foundation, OMNI TV, Panasonic Canada, the United Nations Association in Canada and VRAK.TV.
For more information on how to participate in the Mathieu Da Costa Challenge, please visit www.mathieudacosta.gc.ca.
For more information on how to participate in the Racism. Stop It! National Video Competition, please visit www.march21.gc.ca.
A promotional video called “Switching it Up in Class” has been developed to inform teachers about these activities to encourage students’ participation. The video is available on CIC’s YouTube channel.
For further information (media only), please contact:
Celyeste Power
Minister’s Office
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Celyeste.Power@cic.gc.ca
Media Relations Unit
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-1650
