Canadian Heritage to provide $9 million in funding for community-led projects that support the needs of Black Canadian Youth

OTTAWA, June 29, 2018 /CNW/ – Canada’s diversity is a source of strength and an important factor in our success as a country. However, our success has not been equally shared by all members of our society. All Canadians deserve equal opportunities to thrive, no matter their origin, culture, religion, language or skin colour. Unfortunately, Canada’s Black community faces unique and significant challenges, such as an overrepresentation in the criminal justice system and a higher prevalence of low income. Anti-Black racism also remains a consistent problem, with crimes targeting Black populations being the most common type of hate crime related to race or ethnicity in the country. The Government of Canada recognizes these challenges and is taking steps to address this discrimination and help equip young Black Canadians with the tools and skills they need to overcome barriers.

Today, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Multiculturalism; the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship; the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities; and the Honourable Scott Brison, President of the Treasury Board, announced the Government of Canada’s plans to launch a new funding initiative to address the significant and unique challenges faced by the Black Canadian community. This announcement was made at events held across the country, with Minister Joly in Montréal, Minister Hussen in Toronto, Minister Sohi in Edmonton and Minister Brison in Halifax.

This new funding is in line with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s announcement to officially recognize the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent. As part of that commitment, Canada is reviewing the issues that have persistently disadvantaged Black Canadians.

To enhance community support for Black Canadian youth, Canadian Heritage is investing $9 million over three years, an investment that was originally announced in Budget 2018. The initiative will fund projects that respond to key concerns of Black Canadians to help address issues faced by Black youth that affect their full and equitable participation in our society. This new funding will help empower Black youth by promoting Black history, culture and identity; developing leadership skills; and encouraging local community involvement. The funding will also go toward projects that help combat discrimination. Projects funded by this new initiative will foster a better understanding of the experiences of Black youth and help facilitate dialogue between all Canadians.

Those interested in applying for funding under this new initiative should contact Canadian Heritage at [email protected] for more information.

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Canadian Heritage