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NEWS RELEASE |
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For Immediate Release |
Ministry of Citizens' Services |
VANCOUVER – Community groups in B.C. can now access
part of a $1.4-million fund to develop projects that embrace cultural diversity
and help eliminate racism, announced Ben Stewart, Minister of Citizens’
Services and Minister responsible for Multiculturalism, today.
“British Columbia’s story is one of many cultures, and I’m proud that
government is taking steps to recognize our rich cultural diversity and prevent
racism,” Stewart said. “The new EmbraceBC and associated initiatives will
encourage communities to work together in creating projects that invite people
of all ethnic backgrounds to participate in the social, cultural, economic and
political life of our province.”
EmbraceBC is the result of research and engagement with key
stakeholders, including members of the Multicultural Advisory Council, over the
past year to better deliver the province’s anti-racism and multiculturalism
programs. The development of EmbraceBC highlights the importance of partnership
between the Ministry
of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development and the Ministry of
Citizens’ Services in delivering effective programs to British Columbians.
The launch of EmbraceBC
includes a website, www.Embracebc.ca, which will:
·
Put
multiculturalism and anti-racism materials at all British Columbians’
fingertips.
·
Provide
reliable and current resources to community groups.
·
Help
answer youth and parents’ questions about cultural diversity and give help to
those who believe they may be victims of racial discrimination.
EmbraceBC replaces the BCAMP (B.C. Anti-racism and Multiculturalism
Program), and will continue to support public education about cultural
diversity and work towards the elimination of racism through ministry and
community-led activities. Ministry-led activities include the Provincial Nesika
Awards, Welcoming and Inclusive Communities Dialogue and Cultural Diversity
Training. There are six key program areas for community-led projects including
Arts Engagement, Community Engagement and Dialogue, Inclusive Leadership and
Mentorship, Interfaith Bridging, Organizing against Racism and Hate, and Public
Education.
“B.C.’s communities are rapidly becoming more culturally, racially and
linguistically diverse with immigrants now accounting for about 27 per cent of
our population, and our Aboriginal population representing an additional five
per cent,” said Dave S. Hayer, parliamentary secretary for multiculturalism.
“EmbraceBC is designed to inspire community groups and residents to welcome and
accept difference and help us create a provincewide culture of inclusion.”
EmbraceBC complements WelcomeBC, the province’s strategic framework for
immigrant settlement and integration services and welcoming and inclusive
communities’ initiatives. EmbraceBC addresses diversity and anti-racism
as it relates to all people in B.C., including immigrant and newcomer
populations, visible minorities, Aboriginal peoples and society as a whole.
Two program elements with a combined value of $230,000 in
federal-provincial funding will be released through request for qualifications
(RFQ). Under each RFQ, a maximum of $12,750 is
available for each community that is successful and participates. In addition a
request for information
is now posted on www.bcbid.ca. These solicitations are for
community-based projects in three of the above-listed six program areas, as
follows: Inclusive Leadership Development and Mentorship, Interfaith Bridging,
and Arts Engagement. This fall, the remaining program elements will be posted
through BC Bid.
The Province provides up to $500,000 provincewide annually to support community-based activities that prevent and help eliminate racism by enhancing community understanding of multiculturalism and cultural diversity. EmbraceBC is funded in part by the Government of Canada.
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BACKGROUNDER
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EMBRACEBC SUPPORTS COMMUNITY PROJECTS
EmbraceBC provides funding opportunities for community-based projects through six program elements developed to inspire community members, residents and sector leaders to welcome, accept and embrace difference on both personal and institutional levels.
These program elements include:
Arts Engagement – Arts engagement funding supports increased public awareness and understanding of social, cultural, ethnic, linguistic and religious diversity through artistic mediums. EmbraceBC intends to support projects that focus on bringing diverse groups together, to interact and collaborate on endeavours that build inclusive communities.
Community Engagement and Dialogue – Community engagement and dialogue projects enable dialogues that foster trust and relationship-building between various sectors and diverse cultural communities.
Inclusive Leadership and Mentorship – Inclusive leadership development and mentorship supports the development, mentorship and recognition of leaders who teach about and promote inclusive communities, cultural diversity and anti-racism.
Interfaith Bridging – Interfaith bridging makes possible the building of relationships between diverse, established faith communities that seek to promote understanding of intersecting identities (for example, the intersection between a person’s faith and spirituality and their cultural, ethnic or racial identity.
Organizing against Racism and Hate – Support for organizing against racism and hate enhances the ability of communities to effectively respond to incidents involving racism and hate crime.
Public Education – Projects that seek to create innovative and interactive public education strategies that engage the public on issues of racism, multiculturalism and inclusion.
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Contact: |
Lara
Perzoff Communications
Manager Ministry
of Citizens’ Services 250
920-9040 (cell) |
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For more information on government
services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the
Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca.
