Human Resources, Labour and Employment June 3, 2008 Government Announces Provincial Policy on Multiculturalism Today, the Provincial Government launched a Policy on Multiculturalism designed to celebrate all cultures in recognition that diversity leads to creativity, innovation and economic growth. This new policy is part of the commitments outlined in the three-year $6 million provincial immigration strategy, Diversity ~ Opportunity and Growth. The strategy aims to significantly increase the attraction and retention of immigrants to the province. The announcement was made at The Rooms by the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment. "I appreciate the thoughtful advice and recommendations provided to our government by members of our community organizations in the development of our province�s Policy on Multiculturalism," said Minister Skinner. "This is truly a provincial policy and its ongoing success is dependent on government and its community partners working together to achieve our mutual goals." The primary objective of the Policy on Multiculturalism is to foster cross-cultural collaboration while working to build a vibrant and dynamic province. The policy is designed to promote respect, equality, collaboration, and inclusive citizenship for all people living in Newfoundland and Labrador. This policy is based on a review of existing policies on multiculturalism implemented across Canada. It is the result of community collaboration, including input from members of the Association for New Canadians, Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Association, the Newfoundland and Labrador Multicultural Council, the Canadian Race Relations Foundation, the Leslie Harris Centre of Regional Policy and Development, and the Department of Canadian Heritage. "Newfoundland and Labrador is part of a growing inter-dependent world and is witnessing many advances in its economy, its social structure and its participation in global trade," said Jerry Vink, Executive Director of the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Association. "This policy reflects the government�s awareness of the new demographic realities and the need to be part of a new society based on respect and human rights for all of its people." The Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism will conduct focus groups in communities throughout the province to support the implementation of the policy. "I encourage everyone to support multicultural initiatives in their community, to share cross-cultural experiences and to foster partnerships that increase our understanding and knowledge of one another," said Minister Skinner. "By celebrating diversity, we increase respect for all cultures and enrich Newfoundland and Labrador society and the quality of life enjoyed by all citizens." The Policy on Multiculturalism can be found at www.gov.nl.ca/hrle/immigration/english/new.htm. For a hard copy call 709-729-6607or e-mail immigration@gov.nl.ca. - 30 - Media contact: BACKGROUNDER Vision Newfoundland and Labrador is a dynamic and vibrant Province, with welcoming communities where the cultural diversity of all its residents is valued and enhanced in the spirit of inclusiveness and harmony, to collectively build a self-reliant, prosperous Province. Preamble The Policy on Multiculturalism for the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador is based on the following international, national and provincial commitments: Policy Statement The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to the promotion of multiculturalism and cross-cultural understanding where the cultural diversity of all people is valued, supported and enhanced to collectively build a self-reliant, prosperous Province. As a result, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to a holistic approach to: These commitments govern interaction among all cultural communities, including the Aboriginal peoples of Newfoundland and Labrador, through promotion of the following policy principles. Policy Principles Culture, as a way of life, is dynamic, learned, and ever changing. The Newfoundland and Labrador Policy on Multiculturalism is based on the following principles: Policy Implementation Guidelines To be developed in collaboration with various provincial departments and agencies, and in keeping with the general tenets of this policy and principles. Projects supported by the policy could include: 2008 06 03 12:40 p.m. |
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