Quebec – Racism and discrimination are major obstacles to the fundamental rights of Canadians. The Government of Canada is committed to combatting racism and discrimination in all its forms and promoting equal opportunities for people to participate fully in Canadian society.
Élisabeth Brière, Member of Parliament (Sherbrooke), announced $146,839 in funding for a project in l’Estrie region aimed at training racialized immigrants to better understand their legal rights, including their rights as employees, and the functions of complaint mechanisms. She made the announcement on behalf of Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion.
The project, Les leaders relais immigrants(es) de lutte contre le racisme et la discrimination, by la Fédération des Communautés Culturelles de l’Estrie, in collaboration with its partners in the Sherbrooke community, aims to train immigrant leaders on their legal rights, their rights as employees and complaint mechanisms. These trained leaders will each relay their acquired knowledge to members of their respective communities. These interactive workshops will allow immigrants to identify and understand the different forms of racism and discrimination, and better deal with them.
Through its support of initiatives like this, the government is demonstrating its commitment to combatting racism and discrimination, as well as supporting projects aimed at strengthening inclusion and diversity in communities.
The Community Support, Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Initiatives Program aims to eliminate inequalities by building on Canada’s strength as a diverse and inclusive society. The Projects component of the program provides funding for community development, anti-racism initiatives and engagement projects that promote diversity and inclusion by encouraging interaction among community groups.
“Diversity is a fact but inclusion is a choice. The Government of Canada supports this project through the Community Support, Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Initiatives Program. This initiative will empower immigrant communities to combat racism and discrimination, while promoting inclusivity and diversity in l’Estrie region. Together, we can create a more safe, inclusive and equitable Canada where no one is left behind.” – Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion