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Human Resources, Labour and Employment
March 18, 2011

Province Celebrates Multiculturalism Week 2011

In support of Newfoundland and Labrador’s cultural diversity and opportunities for future growth, Multiculturalism Week 2011 will take place from March 20 to 27.

“Multiculturalism Week is a time to celebrate how the richness of all cultures in the province contributes to our strength, growth and unique quality of life,” said the Honourable Darin King, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment and Minister Responsible for the Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism. “Newfoundland and Labrador is experiencing positive results through our immigration strategy and we are attracting newcomers who are contributing in a very significant way to our province.”

To support Multiculturalism Week, the provincial Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism, through partnerships with many organizations and community groups, has organized a series of special events called Together We Rock! Celebrating Multiculturalism Across the Province. As well, all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are encouraged to welcome newcomers by displaying multi-coloured lights outside their homes as symbols of diversity and multiculturalism.

Along with the activities of Multiculturalism Week, March 21 is designated by the United Nations (UN) as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. It is a day observed all around the world and is the date Newfoundland and Labrador announced its Provincial Immigration Strategy in 2007.

Since the introduction of the strategy, the Provincial Government has invested in excess of $2 million annually to support initiatives aimed at increasing the number of immigrants who choose Newfoundland and Labrador as their new home in Canada. This investment also supports multicultural activities that ensure successful settlement and integration of those who come to the province.

“Whether you take part in a local celebration or display lights outside your home, Multiculturalism Week is a way to celebrate all cultures, as we collectively weave a bright, vibrant, prosperous future for the great Province of Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Minister King.

A listing of local events and additional information can be found at www.nlimmigration.ca/multiculturalism/multiculturalism-week-2011-.aspx

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Photo 1: The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment and Minister Responsible for the Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism, signing a Multiculturalism Week 2011 Proclamation. Minister King was joined by (from left to right): Bridget Foster, Executive Director of the Association for New Canadians; Smita Joshi, Director of Multiculturalism for the Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism (OIM); Hongchen Jiao, OIM Work-term student; Nellie Burke, OIM Executive Director; and Victoria Jalloh, President, Multiculturalism Women’s Association of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Media contact:
Bradley Power
Director of Communications
Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment
709-729-0753, 699-5707
bradleypower@gov.nl.ca 

2011 03 18                                                         11:50 a.m.


 

 
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