This year marks the twentieth anniversary of Multiculturalism Week in British Columbia. Every year, the third week of November provides an opportunity to celebrate the province's rich multicultural society and highlights the ways diversity enriches the B.C. economy.

Also in 2013, we celebrate three other important multiculturalism milestones - the Multicultural Advisory Council turns twenty-five and both the B.C. Multiculturalism Act and the Report on Multiculturalism celebrate their twentieth anniversaries.

Since its inception in 1988, the Multicultural Advisory Council (MAC) has played an important role in providing advice to the Minister Responsible for Multiculturalism on issues related to multiculturalism and anti-racism. The Council is comprised of people from throughout B.C. and are appointed by the Lieutenant Governor.

The MAC was instrumental in helping to create draft legislation for the Multiculturalism Act which was passed in the B.C. legislature in 1993.

An important part of the Multiculturalism Act is the Report on Multiculturalism (ROM). Each year all government ministries and crown corporations submit a report that describes initiatives and programs that support the multiculturalism policy. These reports are then summarized in the B.C. Report on Multiculturalism which highlights achievements within government and monitors progress on multiculturalism issues.

Multiculturalism is also celebrated in B.C. through the Provincial Nesika Awards. Nominations are now open for the 5th annual awards which will be announced on March 21, 2014. These awards honour British Columbians and organizations that go the extra mile to embrace multiculturalism and celebrate our differences. Nominations close on Feb. 10, 2014.

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.

Quote:

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

"I commend the Multicultural Advisory Council on their twenty-five years of providing the B.C. government with outstanding leadership and strategic advice. During Multicultural Week, I encourage everyone to join in the celebrations and take a minute to appreciate the many ways diversity enriches British Columbia. Let's celebrate our differences."

Quick Facts:

• In 2010, the Provincial Multiculturalism Vision was adopted: British Columbia is a model society that embraces the cultures and traditions of its people with opportunities for all to live and grow.
• 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.
• 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:

Minister Teresa Wat - 2013 statement on Multiculturalism Week: https://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/2013/11/bc-multiculturalism-week---celebrate-our-differences.html

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