News Release – Government of Canada supporting mentorship program for London ethnic youth–at–risk

London, July 27, 2010 — The Government of Canada is providing $170,000 over two years for a program designed to help ethnic youth-at-risk integrate into our community by pairing them with mentors from the London area. The announcement was made today by Ed Holder, Member of Parliament for London West, on behalf of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney.

“This project takes aim at some of the root causes that leave many young people feeling isolated and marginalized,” MP Holder said. “By supporting this program, the Government of Canada is acting to help youth of all backgrounds succeed and play their part in building a stronger, more integrated society.”

The Ethno-Racial Mentoring Program, operated by the London InterCommunity Health Centre, is a partnership of several London organizations concerned with ethnic youth-at-risk, particularly in northeast London. The program will match 80 young people with mentors in an effort to address specific integration needs. Parents of the young participants will also be partnered with mentors to encourage civic participation and community engagement, helping to ensure the success of the program.

“Our vision for the program is to help marginalized youth move away from risky behaviour towards resilience and from isolation and detachment to full community participation,” said Greg Nash, Coordinator of Youth Services for the London InterCommunity Health Centre. “We welcome the federal government’s support in our efforts.”

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