Muslim Organizations Among Multiculturalism Initiatives Receiving Funding from Canadian Heritage

The Government of Canada is committed to supporting communities working to eliminate the barriers that prevent full participation in society.

The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister of Seniors and Member of Parliament (Hamilton West–Ancaster–Dundas) announced on September 7 more than $6.7 million in funding for projects throughout Ontario that promote diversity, inclusion and anti-racism initiatives. "Many Canadians still face barriers, based on their cultural background," stated Minister Tassi, "Our government is taking action to address the needs of these people by investing in the organizations across Ontario that promote diversity and inclusion."

Minister Tassi made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism.

The Community Support, Multiculturalism, and Anti-Racism Initiatives Program promotes a diverse and inclusive society. The program has Events, Projects, and Community Capacity Building components. It also includes two separate initiatives, which are the Community Support for Black Canadian Youth initiative and the Paul Yuzyk Youth Initiative for Multiculturalism.

The Projects component supports community development, anti-racism initiatives, and engagement projects that promote diversity and inclusion by encouraging interaction among community groups. It funds projects that encourage positive interaction between cultural, religious, and ethnic communities and promote the expression of Canadians' many identities.

The Community Capacity Building component supports capacity building projects that contribute to the recipient's ability to promote diversity and inclusion.

The Community Support for Black Canadian Youth initiative supports projects that address the unique challenges faced by Black Canadian youth. It funds projects that combat discrimination, promote digital literacy, provide opportunities for Black Canadian youth, and empower them by promoting Black history, culture and identity as well as developing leadership skills and promoting civic engagement.

This announcement includes $6,764,521 in investments in 58 organizations across Ontario for projects that promote diversity, inclusion and anti-racism initiatives.

The following is a selection of some of the organizations and projects being funded. (Click here for the full list)

Coalition of Muslim Women of Kitchener-Waterloo, based in Kitchener-Waterloo,  is receiving $60,759 for its Muslim Women's Human Rights Awareness and Education Project.

Canadian Council of Muslim Women, based in Toronto, is receiving $100,000 for its The Digital Anti-Racism Education or D.A.R.E. Project.

Bangladeshi Canadian Community Services, based in Toronto, is receiving $94,770 for its The Peacemaker Initiative (PI) aimed at combating discrimination and Islamophobia against women and girls.

Gashanti: Young Somali Women Initiative, based in Toronto, is receiving $62,670 for its Amplifying The Voices of Young Racialized Women project.

Somali Centre for Family Services, based in Ottawa, is receiving $90,000 for its Building Capacity is the Cornerstone of Organizational Development initiative.

To learn more about the Community Support, Multiculturalism, and Anti-Racism Initiatives Program, click here.