Statement by the Hon. Jason Kenney, PC, MP, Secretary of State (Multiculturalism and Canadian Identity) on Canadian Multiculturalism Day

Market Wire, June, 2008

This Multiculturalism Day, I am proud to explain what the Government of Canada is doing to promote integration among Canada's increasingly diverse population.

Through the revised Multiculturalism Program, the Government of Canada invests in initiatives that promote the integration of new Canadians and cultural communities; support at-risk youth with programs such as mentorship, volunteerism, leadership, and civic education; and promote intercultural understanding and our shared Canadian values of freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.

This year, under the federal Historical Recognition Programs and the National Historical Recognition Program, funding was also provided for community-based projects and federal initiatives to acknowledge experiences and educate Canadians about the history of wartime measures and immigration restrictions, as well as the contributions of affected communities to the building of Canada.

On behalf of Prime Minister Stephen Harper and as Secretary of State (Multiculturalism and Canadian Identity), I encourage all Canadians to reflect on how different communities living in this country have contributed to our shared Canadian identity and how, together, we are strengthening our shared Canadian values.

Contacts: Office of the Honourable Jason Kenney, PC, MP, Secretary of State (Multiculturalism and Canadian Identity) Alykhan Velshi Director of Communications 819-934-1122