Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination Activities: What Works ? Dr. Smita Joshi Director – Multiculturalism Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism

Presentation Outline Context. Rationale for our approach given our context & goals. Focus on our successes: Sharing sample projects that work.

Our Context Being small can be a blessing and a curse!

Demographics - Diversity represented in the province Small numbers of Immigrants; a little over 8500; Around 1.5% of the total population.Small numbers of Immigrants; a little over 8500; Around 1.5% of the total population. Yet, over 100 countries / 70 languages spoken.Yet, over 100 countries / 70 languages spoken. Home to 2000 people with French heritage.Home to 2000 people with French heritage. 19,000 people with aboriginal ancestry.19,000 people with aboriginal ancestry. 10,000 who also speak non-official languages. (Source Census, 2006)

Building Social Capital Networks Works best in smaller setting Actions at Macro level Actions at Micro level

Public Consultations 1.Implementation of the provincial Policy on Multiculturalism. A total of 13 focus group meetings held in 10 locations across the province ; included 217 participants. Newfoundland and Labradors Youth Retention and Attraction Strategy. The Canadian Policy Research Networks (CPRN) facilitated 13 sessions of 11 deliberative dialogue sessions with 484 youths aged 18 to 30 attended in September and October 2008.

How is diversity viewed in our province? Results of our consultations Diversity & Multiculturalism viewed positively. Recognize importance of Education; that fear of the unknown/ lack of exposure can cause people to be less open to immigrants. Conversely, in rural NL, immigrants are more likely to be welcomed with open arms as they are often the precious and valued health care providers, entrepreneurs that fulfill major need in the community. Close-knit communities and cultures can result in isolation of newcomers from other parts of the province as well as from other parts of the world.

Rationale for our Approach Our Challenge: To be proactive and change where necessary, what we think, how we feel and act. Approach: Through government and community partnerships, take a holistic approach, support the local champions to build welcoming communities.

Policy & procedures Anti- Discrimination Holistic Approach Education & Public awareness Cultural inclusiveness Strategic Partnerships Programs & Services based on Equality

Actions Undertaken Assistant Deputy Ministers Committee Interdepartmental Working group Public Service Commission : Provincial Diversity committee Coordinating Committee on Newcomer Integration-Federal, provincial, municipal, community partners International Student Labour Market Integration Project Committee. The employers guide to hiring international students and graduates. Strategic partnerships with Municipalities, Teachers Association, School Board Association, Eastern Health, Royal Constabulary etc. Smaller Centre Strategies – Toolbox of Ideas for Smaller Centres - pilot has been conducted in selected areas of the province.

Our 26 Partners during March Celebrations! Economic Development Boards Labrador Straits Development Corporation Mariner Resource Opportunities Network Capital Coast Development Alliance Community Groups Association for New Canadians Sharing Our Cultures Multicultural Womens Association of Newfoundland and Labrador African Association of Newfoundland and Labrador Friends of India Japanese Association of Newfoundland and Labrador Multicultural Women in Corner Brook Media as partners

Partners Municipal/Provincial/Federal Education Innovation, Trade and Rural Development Justice Womens Policy Office Tourism, Culture and Recreation Human Rights Commission Royal Newfoundland Constabulary City of St. Johns Citizenship and Immigration Canada Eastern health Care Educational Institutions Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers Association Eastern School Board Conseil Scolaire Francophone School Board College of the North Atlantic-St. Johns and Stephenville Campus Memorial University of Newfoundland

Since 2007, our office has funded 54 community partnerships projects to enhance settlement, inclusion and integration services.

Multiculturalism Milestone Celebrating Successes! Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism June 24, 2009

Since the launch of the Policy in June 2008…

We conducted 13 Focus Group Meetings in 10 locations

Received widespread support for the policy across the Province

Citizens highlighted the importance of public education to strengthen diversity.

…and the need for culturally sensitive services too!

With supporting partners…

In March 2009, together we lit up our Province

Thanks to the provincial proclamation!

We light up our homes, our hearts our community with multicolored lights as a symbol of being a welcoming community

Supported by a proclamation from the City too!

Together We Rocked !

Welcoming newcomers!

Organizing culturally sensitive Public Seminars in French on Islam.

We worked with our students

with specialized classroom activities developed by department of Education

Students learned about each others cultures

And International students learned about life in rural communities

They celebrated World Day… Bell Island Style!

And learned about the importance of different languages.

Teachers promoted respect for all.

With service partners working to meet family needs…

Acknowledging importance of Inclusive citizenship for all…

….The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary helped to provide culturally sensitive services

We celebrated Sharing Our Cultures…

Everybody has a purpose here….

Memorial University International Students Bazaar

Multicultural Womens Food and Craft Fair… a win -win for all!

Thank you to all our partners for celebrating diversity as our strength!

So let us continue to build on our Successes!

And recognize the outstanding achievements Congratulations Remzi Cej! Provinces newest Rhodes scholar who originally came from war-torn Kosovo!

Continue to promote our rich heritage

Listen to the children!

…..and build on our strengths.

Together we can provide safe harbours Gander Airport 9/11

Maximize all potential

Promote collaborations

Lets find the way

Well find a way

There is a Way!

Thank- you! For additional information contact our office at (709)

References Policy & Implementation report Making Newfoundland & Labrador a province of Choice, Synthesis Report Making Newfoundland & Labrador a province of Choice, Summit Report _Report.pdf Employers Guide to Hiring Immigrants ohiringimmigrants.pdf