The following statement was read today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Darin King, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment:

Provincial Government and Community Partners Promote
Cultural Understanding During Multiculturalism Week 2011

I rise today to inform this Honourable House that the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has proclaimed March 20 to 27 Multiculturalism Week.

Multiculturalism Week is a time to celebrate how people of all cultures are making tremendous contributions to our province. Cultural diversity leads to new ideas, strengthens our communities, and positions us to lead the world in an increasingly global economy.

To support the growth of our province, our government first launched an immigration strategy, Diversity ~ Opportunity and Growth, in March 2007. I am pleased to report there have been significant increases in our immigration numbers since our strategy was implemented. In fact, in 2010, preliminary numbers show 681 immigrants have taken up residence in Newfoundland and Labrador, which is anticipated to increase to just over 700 in June. This represents a total increase of 64 per cent since the launch of the strategy.

In addition, the Provincial Government launched a policy on multiculturalism in June 2008. As part of this policy, the Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism partners with organizations and community groups to promote cross-cultural understanding and harmonious relationships among all cultures.

As part of this year’s Multiculturalism Week, there are over 40 community activities organized with strong support from all regions of the province. These include a diversity symposium, a “United Neighbours” get-together, and a visit from a world-renowned Indian dance troupe.

Multiculturalism Week proclamations are also taking place in St. John's, Mount Pearl, Carbonear, Gander, Grand Falls-Windsor, Deer Lake, Corner Brook, Stephenville, St. Anthony, and Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

Another way to celebrate our growing diversity is to display multi-coloured lights. We have relit the multi-coloured lights on Confederation Building this week for this purpose.

I am pleased to recognize that several of our community partners are in the gallery today. These individuals and their organizations provide vital grassroots support and help ensure that our policy on multiculturalism, in support of our immigration strategy, results in many vibrant, relevant projects with lasting impacts.

I invite residents to celebrate Multiculturalism Week – attend an event, or display multi-coloured lights as an important reminder that there is no better place in the world right now to live, work and build a successful future than right here in Newfoundland and Labrador.

2011 03 23             2:20 p.m.