Working for a Strong Community Voice
at Both Federal and Provincial Level
 HON. Jason Kenny (centre), the Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism for Canada and leaders of the Italian community in Vancouver. |
LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER
Dear Readers:
On the morning of May 15, I was privileged to sit as an observer at a round table discussion between the Hon. Jason Kenny, the Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism for Canada and leaders of the Italian community in Vancouver.
I was invited to attend by Rino Vultaggio, the Editor/Publisher of Il Marco Polo – the Italian community newspaper. The meeting was most enlightening and many of the issues raised by the Italian community are directly related to the Irish/Scottish/Welsh/English communities of western Canada.
The importance of reaching out to the younger community was emphasized. Some of the questions raised included: How do you get the next generation involved in the community; what is the role of the older community; and what does the future look like for the community.
Other specific questions related to a need for a wider range of information available to incoming immigrants. Many of our young immigrants are highly educated but unfortunately their credentials are sometimes not recognized.
Often there is a long waiting period and onerous bureaucracy to work through before accreditation. There is frequently a disconnect between the federal and provincial levels on the need for skilled workers and the recognition of their qualifications.
These are issues which parallel questions raised in our communities where an aging population is stepping back and there is a need to consider where do we go from here?
The Celtic Connection is working with Il Marco Polo – the Vancouver-based Italian newspaper – to create a western Canadian alliance of cultural media. The purpose is to form a strong cultural voice through media for the communities we represent.
It will also provide stronger representation with all levels of government and industry for our member publications. This group is affiliated with the National Ethnic Press & Media Council of Canada based in Toronto, Ontario.
In November 2009, the NEPMCC awarded The Celtic Connection with Best Editorial and Visual Presentation. The award was presented by Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper at Seneca College in Toronto.
Watch for more information in upcoming issue for more details about how we can support our communities and ensure our voice is heard at all levels of government.
Until next month,
Maura
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