October 29, 1996 -- The Canadian Ethnocultural Council (CEC) - a national coalition of 36 ethnocultural organizations - congratulates the Government of Canada for establishing the Canadian Race Relations Foundation and for announcing the new directions for the Multiculturalism Program.

"Today's announcement fulfils the terms of the Japanese Canadian Redress Agreement signed in September 1988. It also responds to a long-standing request from numerous community groups across Canada," said Emmanuel Dick, President of the CEC. "The CEC believes that the Foundation can play an invaluable role in combating racism and all forms of discrimination and in promoting social harmony in our society. We look forward to working with the executive director and members of the Foundation".

"The CEC is also pleased that the Government affirmed its commitment to the Multiculturalism Policy and Act," added Mr. Dick. "Ethnocultural minority communities in Canada look forward to partnership opportunities that will address the three objectives of the new Multiculturalism Program: Social Justice, Identity and Civic Participation."

"The CEC however hopes that the Secretary of State (Multiculturalism) (Status of Women), in full consultation with representatives from ethnocultural communities, will develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to ensure that all federal institutions adhere to the six obligations in the Canadian Multiculturalism Act."

"The CEC will continue to work with the Government, its officials and elected representatives to ensure that Canada's Multiculturalism Policy and programs continue to be accountable to all Canadians. Without the involvement of ethnocultural communities in the direction and promotion of Canada's Multiculturalism Policy, there is a danger that the policy will become a fundamental characteristic of Canada in name only and be relegated to vacant praise at gatherings here and abroad," concluded Mr. Dick. -30-

Ethnocultural coalition pleased that government set the record straight on Brighton Report on Multiculturalism