News Release – Government of Canada supporting Toronto civic participation program

Toronto, July 27, 2010 — The Government of Canada is providing $300,000 over four years for a program that provides learning opportunities for participants from ethnic communities to increase their knowledge and understanding of Canada and help raise civic participation, Colin Carrie, Member of Parliament for Oshawa, announced today on behalf of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney.

“Canada’s future depends on all of us growing together through our shared values, history and institutions,” said MP Carrie. “Through initiatives such as the Civic Awareness Project, we are acting to ensure that this future will be built by all Canadians, including newcomers, as we continue strengthening our proud and democratic society.”

The Civic Awareness Project, a venture of the Agincourt Community Services Association, will engage 240 participants, primarily from the Chinese, Afghani and Somali communities, in learning activities regarding the Canadian democratic process, the structure of government and the rights and responsibilities associated with Canadian citizenship. Participants will also receive leadership training, and be expected to share their new knowledge and skills with others.

“For many new Canadians, there are significant roadblocks to full civic participation in Canada, and we aim to address that through the Civic Awareness Project,” said Gael Gilbert, Executive Director of the Agincourt Community Services Association. “We are very pleased that the Government of Canada is supporting this initiative.”

Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s Multiculturalism Grants and Contributions Program supports projects that promote intercultural understanding and equal opportunity for people of all cultures and faiths. For more information, please visit CIC’s website.

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For further information (media only), please contact:

Celyeste Power
Minister’s Office
Citizenship and Immigration Canada

Media Relations
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-1650
CIC-Media-Relations@cic.gc.ca