July 2, 2009
Local Group Receives Provincial Grant to Promote Multiculturalism

BURNABY – The Burnaby Family Life Institute (BFLI) is receiving more than $25,000 from the provincial government for a new project to promote multiculturalism and reduce racism.

“The many different cultures in our community make Burnaby such a vibrant and exciting place to live,” says Burnaby-Lougheed MLA Harry Bloy. “I’m proud that we are supporting the Burnaby Family Life Institute in their efforts to build on our successes and encourage even deeper understanding.”

“British Columbia’s respect for cultural diversity has made us leaders in Canada and the world when it comes to demonstrating progressive multicultural values,” says Burnaby North MLA Richard T. Lee. “Here in Burnaby, our commitment to mutual respect and understanding is something we can all be proud of.”

The Burnaby Family Life Institute will receive a grant of $25,686 from the provincial government for their Intercultural Connections program. This grant will help BFLI to increase community partnerships and awareness of the benefits of multiculturalism to reduce racism and barriers faced by newcomers.

BC Anti-racism and Multiculturalism Program (BCAMP) funding helps to prevent and eliminate racism by enhancing community understanding of multiculturalism in British Columbia. New projects will take place in Abbotsford, Burnaby, Campbell River, Maple Ridge, Mission, Nanaimo, North Vancouver, Revelstoke, Richmond, Vancouver and Victoria. Awarded proponents have until March 31, 2010, to complete projects.

More than $452,000 in provincial and federal funding will support 17 projects throughout the province that promote multiculturalism and prevent and eliminate racism. Ten projects, totaling over $236,000, have a youth component, including leadership training and mentoring. Other projects focus on community engagement and awareness.

Groups were given the opportunity to apply for funding of up to $30,000 for projects, through a request for proposals (RFP) on the BC Bid website. Thirty proposals were received, with 19 meeting the RFP criteria. Two proposals were put on an eligibility list, should additional funding become available. Contract negotiations to finalize the successful proposals are underway.

Funding is provided in part by the Government of Canada through the Agreement for Canada-British Columbia Co-operation on Immigration and Annex B.

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