The B.C. government is providing $300,000 through the Multiculturalism Grant program to support organizations whose activities promote British Columbia’s rich multicultural heritage, and nurture empathy and inclusion.

The funding is provided by the Ministry of International Trade and Responsible for Asia Pacific Strategy and Multiculturalism, which has as its mandate to promote and support multiculturalism and connect communities with services to eliminate racism.

Beginning Oct. 26, 2015, not-for-profit societies and community-based organizations that reflect ethno-cultural communities are eligible to apply for grants of up to $5000 for projects or events in two categories:

• Cultural expression – events such as festivals and community forums
• Anti-racism – activities that challenge racism and hate, or promote diversity in the workplace

Applications will be accepted until Dec. 13, 2015. For more information, visit the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch website: www.gaming.gov.bc.ca/grants/multiculturalism.htm

Successful applicants will receive their grant by or before March 31, 2016, and have until 2017 to use it in activities promoting B.C.’s rich multicultural heritage.

In 2012-13, the Multiculturalism Grant program provided 243 grants provincewide in support of cultural diversity including cultural festivals, community forums and anti-racism campaigns.

Quotes:

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

“Community organizations are the heart of promoting multiculturalism in British Columbia. They nurture, promote and shape our appreciation of diversity and make our society stronger. I am delighted we are able to provide multiculturalism grant funding to these organizations to help them continue their vital contribution to the rich social and cultural fabric of our province.”

Multicultural Advisory Council chair Tenzin Khangsar –

“This funding will help support the dedicated organizations whose exceptional work helps bring our diverse cultures together. Cultural events, diverse workplaces, and projects promoting inter-cultural understanding help to build more opportunity and inclusion within our communities.”

Quick Facts:

• As the most ethnically diverse province in Canada, almost 30% of British Columbians emigrated from another country.
• In 2015, the B.C. government will spend approximately $1.7 million to engage cultural groups, fight racism and discrimination, and promote multiculturalism.
• In B.C., the third week of November is proclaimed Multiculturalism Week.
• With one million job openings expected by 2020, immigrants will play a vital role in the economic well-being of the province.
• Canada was the first country in the world to adopt multiculturalism as an official policy.

Learn More:

To find out more about the grants, including eligibility and application process, visit: www.gaming.gov.bc.ca/grants/multiculturalism.htm

Embrace BC – Province of B.C. multiculturalism site: www.embracebc.ca

Welcome BC – Information and services for new British Columbians: http://www.welcomebc.ca/home.aspx