Ottawa, September 11, 2002 -
On the occasion
of the first anniversary of the tragic events of September 11th, the
Canadian Ethnocultural Council has launched a Public Service Announcement
(PSA) with a message of peace and respect for the many cultures which make
up Canada. The PSA which was created in partnership with CFMT- OMNI and
the financial assistance of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation, will
be aired on CFMT-OMNI throughout the day.
"We believe that
this solemn occasion serves as a time for reflection on how we must
respect each other's differences while also taking measures to support our
democratic
institutions."
The strength of our
nation comes in giving all Canadians a strong sense of security while not
marginalizing minority communities because of their ancestry, ethnicity,
race or religious beliefs.
We hope that the PSA
will reflect the need to work together for a better society and to develop
measures for creating peace without compromising human rights principles.
We owe this to the innocent victims and survivors of that horrific
day," says Art
Hagopian, President of the CEC.
The PSA was developed
over the past year by the Canadian Ethnocultural Council with the
assistance of CFMT-OMNI. "The theme of celebrating our human
diversity is one which resonates well with the CFMT-OMNI. We are very
grateful that they will air this important message," added Anna
Chiappa, Executive Director.
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For more information
contact tel (613) 230 - 3867, fax (613) 230-8051 or
The Canadian
Ethnocultural Council is a coalition of 32 national ethnocultural
organizations which in turn represent over 2,000 local chapters across
Canada and whose mandate is to work towards the elimination of racism and
the understanding of the multicultural reality of Canada.
CANADIAN ETHNOCULTURAL COUNCIl - CONSEIL ETHNOCULTUREL DU CANADA
176 Gloucester St.,
Suite 400, Ottawa, Ontario K2P 0A6, Canada
tel (613) 230-3867,
fax (613) 230-8051 e-mail: cec@web.ca