ARCHIVED – Annual Report on the Operation of the Canadian Multiculturalism Act 2008-2009

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Part I: The Multiculturalism Program 2008-2009

1.3 Promoting multiculturalism abroad

Positioning in Global Forums

Canada actively participates in international forums on issues related to multiculturalism, diversity, non-discrimination, combating racism and human rights. Such bodies include the Task Force for International Cooperation on Holocaust Education, Remembrance, and Research, the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the Organization of American States, and the Intergovernmental Consultations on Migration, Asylum and Refugees.

The following are examples of how global forums enable Canada to share its approach to multiculturalism and anti-racism, while contributing to and learning from international policy dialogue on diversity.

Task Force for International Cooperation on Holocaust Education, Remembrance, and Research

Initiated in 1998, the Task Force for International Cooperation on Holocaust Education, Remembrance, and Research (ITF) is a coalition of governmental and non-governmental organizations whose purpose is to build support for the need for Holocaust education, remembrance and research both nationally and internationally. Members must be committed to the implementation of national policies and programs in support of Holocaust education, remembrance and research expressed in the 2000 Stockholm Declaration.

Then Secretary of State for Multiculturalism and Canadian Identity Jason Kenney was given the mandate to seek membership in the ITF by Prime Minister Stephen Harper in 2007. To be eligible, Canada completed a comprehensive baseline study on Holocaust education, remembrance and research in Canada, and hosted a conference with partners from the United States and France in Toronto in June 2009. The conference, entitled The St. Louis Era: Looking Back, Moving Forward, brought together government officials, academics, educators and civil society to discuss the many complex themes that flowed from Canada’s restrictive immigration policy during the Second World War. The event was funded through the Community Historical Recognition Program and organized by the League for Human Rights of B’nai Brith.

Preparations for Canada’s membership in the ITF were the focus of activities in 2008–2009. These activities represented the culmination of more than two years of work and relationship building with stakeholders at the international, federal, provincial/territorial, institutional and NGO levels. Canada became a member in June 2009. As an ITF member, Canada is able to demonstrate its leadership in the areas of multiculturalism policies, human rights education and combating racism, including anti-Semitism.

As an ITF member, Canada is able to demonstrate its leadership in the areas of multiculturalism policies, human rights education and combating racism, including anti-Semitism.

Find out more about the ITF.

The United Nations Universal Periodic Review

The Universal Periodic Review is a process of the United Nations where member states report on their human rights commitments and respond to recommendations made by other member states. In February 2009, Canada presented a report to the UN and received recommendations, to which it replied in June. The reporting process is coordinated by the Department of Canadian Heritage, in collaboration with the Department of Justice Canada, the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade and CIC, and requires input from departments across the federal government. The Citizenship and Multiculturalism Branch contributed much of the content related to combating racism and discrimination and related programs. See the report and Canada’s response to the recommendations.

Intergovernmental Consultations on Migration, Asylum and Refugees

The Intergovernmental Consultations on Migration, Asylum and Refugees (IGC) is an informal, non-decision-making forum for intergovernmental information exchange and policy debate on issues of relevance to the management of international migratory flows. In October 2008, the Citizenship and Multiculturalism Branch joined the Canadian delegation at the IGC to promote Canadian approaches to multiculturalism and diversity at the international level.

Other International Activities

The Citizenship and Multiculturalism Branch also hosts representatives of a number of delegations from other nations and international organizations. These discussions include presentations of the Canadian model for multiculturalism, diversity, integration and the sharing of best practices. Such meetings are frequently organized in cooperation with other departments, such as the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade and the Department of Canadian Heritage.

In October 2008, for example, a delegation of young diplomats from the Middle East (12 Egyptians and two from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Morocco and Palestine) came to the National Capital Region to learn about Canada’s approach to diversity and related issues. This delegation was hosted by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, and the Citizenship and Multiculturalism Branch was asked to deliver a presentation. Along with the Department of Canadian Heritage, CIC presented Canada’s multiculturalism and diversity approach and had an active and engaging discussion with the delegation.

In August of 2008, after attending the World Youth Congress in Québec City, an Afghan youth delegation undertook an outreach tour that provided them with an opportunity to learn, engage in and build networks with government officials and Canadians, in particular with students, youth civil society and the Afghan-Canadian diaspora community. The delegates were interested in learning about programs and public policies relating to multiculturalism, diversity and human rights, and youth engagement. Then Secretary of State for Multiculturalism and Canadian Identity Jason Kenney welcomed the delegation and hosted a fruitful discussion and exchange of ideas.

The Citizenship and Multiculturalism Branch also provided support for visits abroad by Canadian representatives, including the Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism and the Governor General of Canada

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