ARCHIVED – Annual Report on the Operation of the Canadian Multiculturalism Act 2009-2010
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Foreword from the Minister
The Honourable Jason Kenney,
P.C., M.P. Minister of Citizenship,
Immigration and Multiculturalism
I am proud to introduce this 22nd Annual Report on the Operation of the Canadian Multiculturalism Act. It highlights the initiatives undertaken in 2009—10 by Citizenship and Immigration Canada and 133 of the Government of Canada’s departments, agencies and Crown corporations.
As the Minister responsible for Multiculturalism, I visit hundreds of communities every year and witness how pluralism is a pillar of Canadian society. The Government cannot, however, rest on this success, but must continue to build an integrated society that focuses on unity in our diversity.
That is why, in July 2010, Citizenship and Immigration Canada launched Inter-Action, a new multiculturalism grants and contributions program to invest in our country’s future. It supports projects that promote integration by individuals and communities and funds events that work to connect cultural and faith communities. With more than 750 applications received in its first annual Call for Proposals, we can see that Inter-Action is resonating with communities across this country.
Our commitment to multiculturalism is emphasized throughout the broad continuum of immigration and citizenship. I am pleased to reflect this in Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship. This new study guide is proving extremely popular, with 112,000 printed copies distributed and over 470,000 internet visits. I believe that Discover Canada, by placing increased emphasis on Canada’s values, history and symbols, will promote civic memory and pride among newcomers and citizens alike.
Finally, I am proud of the leadership role that Canada is taking to combat anti-Semitism together with all forms of racism and xenophobia. This past November in Ottawa, I joined fellow parliamentarians and experts from more than 50 countries at the second conference of the Inter-parliamentary Coalition for Combating Antisemitism (ICCA). The conference ratified the Ottawa Protocol, which complements Canada’s efforts to engage the global community in the struggle against hatred and anti-Semitism.
The Government of Canada’s commitment to the Canadian Multiculturalism Act is demonstrated by the more than 130 submissions received from federal institutions to develop this report – submissions that outline their efforts to promote and reflect diversity. I commend them for these efforts and I am confident that the achievements outlined here demonstrate that Canada will remain a country where people of all backgrounds and cultures can succeed and contribute to our collective future.
The Honourable Jason Kenney, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism
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