The B.C. government is following through with a commitment to provide opportunities to talk within and between communities to promote multiculturalism and eliminate racism.

As part of Multiculturalism Week, EmbraceBC is providing $533,854 to 27 projects across the province. Grants up to $20,000 each were awarded under three EmbraceBC program themes - Arts Engagement, Interfaith Bridging, and Community Dialogue.

These projects will help to:

• Increase awareness for and understanding of social, cultural, ethnic, linguistic and religious diversity among British Columbians;
• Increase partnership development and strengthen community participation of diverse faith groups, diverse groups and sectors; and
• Provide communities in British Columbia with the necessary tools to address racism and hate in their neighbourhoods.

The Community Justice Centre of the Comox Valley recently received funding for two projects. One will assist youth in acquiring skills to bring their views about racism and hate to light using art. The other will use interfaith bridging to bring together a diverse group of faith communities in their region.

The B.C. government believes that a rich multicultural society helps nurture acceptance, understanding and mutual respect. Cultural diversity, increased participation and engagement by all cultures are vitally important to create a strong and vibrant social and economic future for British Columbia.

EmbraceBC supports and funds community-based projects that effectively address racism and encourage multiculturalism. Launched in 2009, it replaced the former BC Anti-racism and Multiculturalism Program (BCAMP). EmbraceBC was designed to enhance multiculturalism and anti-racism programming and increase engagement with stakeholders and sectors in British Columbia. These projects are made possible through funding from the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia.

Quotes:

Minister of International Trade and Minister Responsible for the for Asia Pacific Strategy and Multiculturalism Teresa Wat -

"We were thrilled with the many original ideas submitted by organizations from throughout the province. This funding will provide them with tools they can use to make their communities more inclusive and welcoming to everyone."

Chief Administrator, Bruce Curtis, Community Justice Centre -

"This funding is essential to the Justice Centre's work in combatting racism, homophobia and hate in the Comox Valley. Along with our partners we will be able to complete two projects that work towards these goals in our community. Both of these projects carry on the work funded by EmbraceBC over the past six years."

Quick Facts:

• Since 2002, over $9.1 million has been spent on funding programs and initiatives promoting multiculturalism, addressing racism and building inclusive communities in British Columbia.
• Every year, the third week in November is proclaimed as B.C. Multiculturalism Week. It is a week to celebrate the contribution of our multicultural communities and to appreciate the way diversity enriches British Columbia.
• Almost 30 per cent of British Columbians have immigrated to this province from other countries.
• One-quarter of the people in B.C. are self-identified visible minorities, and five per cent identify as Aboriginal.
• The most ethnically diverse province in Canada, B.C. welcomes nearly 40,000 new immigrants every year.

Learn More:

EmbraceBC - Province of B.C. multiculturalism site: www.embracebc.ca

WelcomeBC - Information and services for new British Columbians: www.welcomebc.ca

B.C. Multicultural Advisory Council: http://tinyurl.com/n4nvauv

Contact:

Media Relations
Ministry of International Trade
Minister Responsible for the Asia Pacific Strategy and Multiculturalism
250 356-0613

BACKGROUNDER

Pacific Strategy and Multiculturalism

Project Background Information:

Projects are currently underway and will be completed by March 31, 2014.

Arts-Engagement:

• Community Justice Centre of the Comox Valley
• Frog Hollow NH
• Leave Out Violence (LOVE) Society BC
• Richmond Multicultural Services Society
• College of New Caledonia - Vanderhoof
• North Coast Immigrant and Multicultural Services Society
• Intercultural Society of the Central Okanagan
• Michelle Loughery Artwork Foundation
• Okanagan Chinese - Canadian Assoc.
• Immigrant Welcome Centre of Campbell River

Community Dialogue:

• Social Planning Concerns Society
• Affiliation of Multicultural Societies & Services Agencies of BC
• Greater Vancouver YMCA
• Simon Fraser University Centre for Dialogue
• Kootenay Employment Services
• Kelowna Community Resources
• Okanagan Boys and Girls Club

Inter-Faith Bridging:

• Community Justice Centre of the Comox Valley
• Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria
• Canadian Mental Health Association - Cariboo-Chilcotin
• Immigrant and Multicultural Services Society of Prince George
• Abbotsford Community Services
• Burnaby Family Life Institute
• Iona Pacific Inter-Religious Centre
• Mafalda Arias and Associates
• Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society
• Powell River Employment Programs Society

Contact:

Media Relations
Ministry of International Trade
Minister Responsible for the Asia Pacific Strategy and Multiculturalism
250 356-0613