The Alberta government believes racism has no place in our province and continues to fund anti-racism initiatives.
In December 2019, we launched a new grant stream, the Multiculturalism, Indigenous, and Inclusion Grant Program (MIIG) that supports a much broader mandate of multiculturalism and inclusion initiatives than the Anti-Racism Community Grant that it replaced. The new MIIG program fosters cultural awareness in communities across the province, as well as an appreciation and celebration of Indigenous Peoples and multicultural society in Alberta. The program strives to create a province where people feel included and that their cultures and heritage are valued.
The Anti-Racism Advisory Council is the Government of Alberta’s first-ever council dedicated to combatting racism. The council consists of 24 public members who represent a variety of faiths and cultures, are leaders in their communities across the province, and who bring their lived experience and expertise to discussions. Engaging with the community and hearing the perspectives of Albertans are important parts of the council’s mandate.
Premier Jason Kenney and Minister Aheer met with the Alberta Anti-Racism Advisory Council on February 13, 2020, to discuss multiculturalism and inclusion. The input of these community leaders will inform how our government works collaboratively to make an impact on racism and discrimination.
Our government stands with every single Albertan and continues to support grassroots initiatives to address racism in our province. As the first government in over 25 years to name a minister of multiculturalism, we are focusing directly on strategies to celebrate and share the unique cultures, heritage and traditions of all Albertans.
One of the great things about Lacombe-Ponoka is that we have, after Red Deer, the second largest number of immigrant families in central Alberta. I appreciate the culture, the economic contribution and the vitality that each one brings to our communities.