April 18, 1997-Multiculturalism will be an election issue says CEC­ Canada's only coalition of national ethnocultural organizations

The Canadian Multiculturalism Act is one of the world's most progressive legislation in terms of promoting diversity and ensuring equality. Canadians are proud of this achievement, and our Council will continue to ensure that this legislation receives the support it deserves from all politicians during and after the election, says Emmanuel Dick, President of the Canadian Ethnocultural Council (CEC) ­ Canada's only coalition of national ethnocultural organizations.

The CEC's membership is convening April 19­22 in Ottawa to discuss the multiculturalism policy and other national issues, the upcoming federal election and how ethnocultural minority communites can contribute to the shaping of public policies in various areas.

Approximately 40 leaders representing ethnocultural minority communities will participate in activities designed to move national issues forward. These activities include: sessions on Saturday and Sunday to discuss issues of interest to the CEC membership; an in­camera meeting with the Hon. Hedy Fry, Secretary of State for Multiculturalism on Monday to discuss the CEC's response to the new federal multiculturalism program; meetings with several members of Parliament from all political parties on Monday; a meeting with the Hon. Stephane Dion on Tuesday to register the CEC's support of his recently stated message on cultural diversity; and several meetings with senior public servants on Tuesday.

All of these meetings have one purpose: to ensure that federal public policies, programs and services respond to the needs of Canada's diverse population.

The CEC's meeting starts at noon on Saturday at the Lord Elgin Hotel and will include: a presentation on major social policy issues by Dr. Suzanne Peters of the Canadian Policy Research Networks; the screening of a video Our Nations' Elders Speak, in which elders from ethnocultural minority and aboriginal communities share their perspectives and experiences on various themes; and the release of the Anti­Racism Parenting Handbook. On Sunday morning the CEC's membership will prepare for meetings on Monday with politicians. The media is welcome to attend the meetings indicated on the attached agenda.

For information: Lucie Lafrance, Communications Officer (Tel.: 613­230­3867)

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