Multiculturalism

The Government of Canada is committed to reaching out to Canadians and newcomers and is developing lasting relationships with ethnic and religious communities in Canada. It encourages these communities to participate fully in society by enhancing their level of economic, social, and cultural integration. CIC’s Multiculturalism Program draws its mandate from the Canadian Multiculturalism Act (1988).

Grants and Contributions
The Multiculturalism Program provides project funding to facilitate and strengthen economic, social, and cultural integration in Canada.

Community Historical Recognition Program
The Community Historical Recognition Program (CHRP) funds community-based projects that recognize the experiences of ethno-cultural communities affected by historical wartime measures and/or immigration restrictions and promote these communities’ contributions to building this country.

Mathieu Da Costa Challenge
The annual Mathieu Da Costa Challenge – National Artwork and Writing Contest is a fun way for young people to learn about Canada’s cultural diversity.

Racism. Stop it!
The annual Racism. Stop It! National Video Competition is an innovative educational program that gives youth a chance to express their feelings about eliminating racism through video.

Paul Yuzyk Award for Multiculturalism
The Paul Yuzyk Award commemorates the late Senator Yuzyk’s pioneering legacy establishing multiculturalism as one of the fundamental characteristics of Canadian identity.

Black History Month
Every year in February during Black History Month, Canadians take part in events that honour the legacy of black Canadians, past and present.

Asian Heritage Month
May is Asian Heritage Month, dedicated to acknowledging the long and rich history of Asian Canadians and their contributions to Canada.

Annual Report
Tabled in Parliament each year, the Annual Report on the Operation of the Canadian Multiculturalism Act details the activities and achievements of the Canadian federal institutions in implementing Canada's policy on multiculturalism.

Holocaust Task Force
Canada became the 27th member of the Task Force for International Cooperation on Holocaust Education, Remembrance, and Research (ITF) in 2009. The ITF is a coalition of governmental and non-governmental organizations whose purpose is to build support for the need for Holocaust remembrance both nationally and internationally.