Alberta Human Rights Information Service June 24, 2010
Celebrate Alberta's rich diversity on Multiculturalism Day
On June 27, Albertans along with fellow Canadians will celebrate Canadian Multiculturalism Day. Multiculturalism Day, in addition to National Aboriginal Day (June 21) and Saint-Jean Baptiste Day (June 24), is part of Celebrate Canada, a week-long celebration of events culminating in Canada Day (July 1).
On November 13, 2002, the Government of Canada, by Royal Proclamation, designated June 27 of each year as Canadian Multiculturalism Day.
This significant day is an opportunity for Albertans to celebrate our province's rich cultural mosaic and recognize the valuable role Albertans from all backgrounds play in helping to build vibrant and prosperous communities that benefit everyone.
Multiculturalism Day is intended to encourage individuals to reflect on our shared commitment to democracy, equality and mutual respect. Albertans are reminded of the important role they can play in helping to promote mutual understanding and respect for Albertans of all backgrounds. Visit the Help Make a Difference website to find out how you can help build stronger, better relationships between people of all backgrounds
Canada's increasing diversity
A report recently released in March 2010 by Statistics Canada predicts that by 2031, one in three Canadians will belong to a visible minority. One in four will be foreign-born, the highest proportion since the end of the last wave of mass immigration that began around 1910. In Calgary, the percentage of visible minorities is expected to reach 38% by 2031. The percentage of visible minorities in Edmonton is projected to be 29% by 2031. Read the full report.
As Alberta becomes ever richer in diversity, the Commission continues to work hard to combat racism and discrimination and ensure all Albertans feel welcome and included.
Strategic partnerships: building welcoming and inclusive communities
In addition to helping Albertans understand their rights and responsibilities under human rights law through information and educational initiatives, the Commission actively engages in community initiatives and partnerships on the local, provincial, and national levels. These partnership initiatives help build workplaces and communities that are able to combat racism and discrimination and are welcoming and inclusive.
For example, the Commission is a champion of the Coalition of Municipalities Against Racism and Discrimination in Alberta, and is also founding partner in a multi-year Welcoming and Inclusive Communities partnership with the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association to help build the capacity of municipalities to be welcoming and inclusive and to combat racism and discrimination. The Alberta Hate Crimes Committee is another multi-agency partnership initiative in which the Commission is actively involved.
The Commission shares the goal of protecting human rights and promoting fairness and access with the Human Rights Education and Multiculturalism Fund (HREMF), which provides financial assistance to various organizations as well as to the Commission for its educational programs. Read about recent projects the HREMF has funded.
For more information on the Commission's partnership initiatives and education and information services, visit http://www.albertahumanrights.ab.ca/about/services/education.asp
Read the Government of Alberta information bulletin.
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