Celebrating Diversity, Respecting Differences Education Handbook and Brochure released

As the Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, I rise today, on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, to inform my honourable colleagues of the release of a new brochure and handbook designed with this very goal in mind.

Celebrating Diversity, Respecting Differences, produced by the Women�s Policy Office in consultation with a committee of community groups and individuals with expertise in diversity, is a handbook which addresses discrimination based on race, ability, age, gender, sexual orientation and class. The publication complements the work of the Provincial Strategy Against Violence and the current Violence Prevention Initiative.

The primary purpose of this project is to educate and inform individuals about attitudes and stereotypes which can lead to discrimination and violence against particular groups. The handbook also encourages all of us to take responsibility for our own biases and to work toward change. It proposes general solutions which might be of use to individuals, community groups and social action agencies.

This handbook can be used by the public at large, but will also be useful for public employees, women�s groups, and post-secondary students to stimulate discussion on the issue of discrimination and to inspire serious and critical thought about any day-to-day attitudes which may be considered discriminatory.

Celebrating Diversity, Respecting Differences is an important tool in the fight against discrimination in our province and as the Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, I am proud of the work done to bring the project to fruition. Discrimination is a serious problem and I am sure I speak for all of my colleagues when I say that this province is committed to ensuring a future based on the principles of true equality for all.

As a minister and as a woman, I am proud to celebrate a day where we can all look toward a more equitable future and recognize our contribution toward that effort.

I would like to thank the Women�s Policy Office for managing the development and production of this document, and I would like to offer thanks to the many community groups and individuals who participated in its production. I hope it has a positive and long-lasting influence.

2001 03 21                                      2:20 p.m.