November 26, 1997 Reform and Bloc Out Of Touch With Constituents

A recent survey conducted by the Environics Research Group, shows that a majority of Canadians support the federal multiculturalism policy and, surprisingly, that approval of the policy is the highest in Quebec and the Western provinces (65%).

I find it rather ironic that most members of the Bloc Québécois and the Reform two parties that oppose the multiculturalism policy are spending their time and energy fighting a policy that is accepted by most of their constituents, said Emmanuel Dick, President of the Canadian Ethnocultural Council the only coalition of national ethnocultural organizations in Canada.

Reform's latest attack of the multiculturalism policy and program came today in the form of a motion introduced in the House by MP Gurmant Grewal. The motion calls for the elimination in government communications of any reference to and designation of Canadians in a hyphenated form, based on race, religion, colour or place of origin.

What Reform members don't understand is that the multiculturalism policy does not hyphenate Canadians. It says that we can be proud of being Canadian and of our roots at the same time, added Mr. Dick.

Several recent studies have shown that the multiculturalism policy works. Indeed, the two countries with official multiculturalism policies Canada and Australia have done better than any other country in the world in the successful integration of immigrants.

Mr. Dick added: Awe challenge the federal government to counter unfounded criticism of the policy and raise public awareness of all the benefits it brings to Canada, by building on a solid base of research and information.

We further challenge the government to upgrade and adequately resource the multiculturalism program. An important component of the program has been the grants and contributions to community groups. These groups require the resources to ensure that the principles of the multiculturalism policy are implemented by institutions and in our society. The recent review of the multiculturalism program led to a diminution of support for voluntary community efforts. The Canadian Ethnocultural Council believes that the abolition of program funding will considerably weaken community infrastructures and their capacity to participate in societal changes, concluded Mr. Dick.

For information: Lucie Lafrance, Communications and Research Officer or Irene Kamchen, Executive Director Tel.: (613) 2303867