News Release – Government of Canada supports cross-cultural connections in Abbotsford

Abbotsford, September 7, 2010 — The Government of Canada is providing almost $434,000 over three years to the City of Abbotsford for a program designed to bring diverse communities together, Ed Fast, Member of Parliament for Abbotsford, announced today on behalf of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney.

“This project aims to push aside the obstacles to intercultural understanding and build lasting relationships among Abbotsford’s ethnocultural communities,” said MP Fast. “By supporting initiatives such as this, the Government of Canada is investing in the future—a future that depends on all of us growing together through our shared values, history and institutions.”

Through the development of two ‘intercultural hubs’ in the western neighbourhoods of the city, the Abbotsford Building Connections Project will benefit an estimated 3,500 residents over three years. The project will see the development of programs and services designed to build meaningful connections among ethnocultural communities. The project will feature the twinning of diverse school, neighbourhood, business and faith groups to tackle common issues and participate in activities together. Other programs to be developed include intercultural recreation, arts and storytelling activities and the mentoring of at-risk youth.

“By bringing together many partners to strengthen the social cohesion of our community, our project will have a great impact on Abbotsford,” said Mayor George Peary. “We are proud to have the support of the Government of Canada in this effort.”

Inter-Action, 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