The Manitoba Multiculturalism Act

The Manitoba Multiculturalism Act, C.C.S.M. c. M223 (Assented to June 24, 1992) bilingual version (HTML) Table of Contents Section 1 Definitions 2 Multiculturalism policy 3 Mandate of minister 4 Multiculturalism secretariat established 5 Purpose of secretariat 6 Community access office 7 Annual report 8 C.C.S.M. reference 9 Coming into force WHEREAS Manitoba has been a multicultural society from the time of its original population, the Aboriginal peoples; AND WHEREAS the diversity of Manitobans as regards culture, religion and racial background is a fundamental characteristic of Manitoban society which benefits all Manitobans economically, socially and culturally; AND WHEREAS the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba recognizes the importance of encouraging the use of languages that contribute to the multicultural heritage of Manitoba; AND WHEREAS the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba is committed to the promotion of racial harmony; AND WHEREAS the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba believes that Manitoba's multicultural society is not a collection of many separate societies, divided by language and culture, but is a single society united by shared laws, values, aspirations and responsibilities within which persons of various backgrounds have: the freedom and opportunity to express and foster their cultural heritage; the freedom and opportunity to participate in the broader life of society; and the responsibility to abide by and contribute to the laws and aspirations that unite society; AND WHEREAS the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba is committed to a policy designed to achieve this multicultural ideal; NOW THEREFORE HER MAJESTY, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba, enacts as follows: INTERPRETATION Definitions 1 In this Act, "minister" means the member of the Executive Council charged by the Lieutenant Governor in Council with the administration of this Act; (« ministre ») "secretariat" means the Multiculturalism Secretariat established under section 4. (« Secrétariat ») MANITOBA MULTICULTURALISM POLICY Multiculturalism policy 2 It is hereby declared to be the policy of the government of Manitoba to (a) recognize and promote understanding that the cultural diversity of Manitoba is a strength of and a source of pride to Manitobans; (b) recognize and promote the right of all Manitobans, regardless of culture, religion or racial background, to (i) equal access to opportunities, (ii) participate in all aspects of society, and (iii) respect for their cultural values; and (c) enhance the opportunities of Manitoba's multicultural society by acting in partnership with all cultural communities and by encouraging cooperation and partnerships between cultural communities. MINISTER RESPONSIBLE FOR MULTICULTURALISM Mandate of minister 3 The minister has the power and authority to (a) act as an advocate within government to ensure that policies and programs throughout the government reflect the multiculturalism policy set out in section 2; (b) work to ensure that all members of the various cultural communities of Manitoba have access to government and have the opportunity to participate fully in the processes of government; (c) coordinate the efforts of departments and agencies of the government to contribute to the achievement of a successful multicultural society in Manitoba; and (d) work with all Manitobans to achieve the ideal of a successful multicultural society in Manitoba. MULTICULTURALISM SECRETARIAT Multiculturalism secretariat established 4 There is hereby established a secretariat of the government of Manitoba, called the "Multiculturalism Secretariat", which shall be under the direction and control of the minister and through which the minister shall administer and carry out the provisions of this Act. Purpose of secretariat 5 The secretariat shall (a) work with officials of other departments and agencies of the government to identify, priorize and implement actions to contribute to the achievement of a successful multicultural society in Manitoba; (b) work with the community at large to enhance sensitivity to the needs and concerns of Manitoba's cultural communities; (c) foster and enhance relations between the various cultural communities in Manitoba and assist them to achieve shared goals; (d) work with the business community, labour organizations, voluntary and other private organizations to (i) promote respect and appreciation for the cultural diversity of Manitoba, (ii) encourage full participation by members of all cultural communities in all aspects of Manitoba society, and (iii) recognize the benefits of a multilingual, multicultural society; (e) encourage the use of languages that contribute to the multicultural heritage of Manitoba; (f) work with departments and agencies of government to encourage sensitivity and responsiveness to the needs of all cultural communities; and (g) carry out such other duties and functions relating to multiculturalism as the minister may direct. Community access office 6 The minister may establish an office, to be operated by the secretariat, to provide practical assistance to groups and individuals in dealing with departments or agencies of the government. MISCELLANEOUS Annual report 7 The minister shall cause an annual report to be prepared with respect to the administration of this Act and the activities of the secretariat, and the minister shall table a copy of the annual report before the Legislative Assembly within 15 days of receiving it if the Legislative Assembly is then in session, or if it is not then in session, within 15 days of the beginning of the next session. C.C.S.M. reference 8 This Act may be referred to as chapter M223 of the Continuing Consolidation of the Statutes of Manitoba . Coming into force 9 This Act comes into force on a day fixed by proclamation. NOTE: S.M. 1992, c. 56 came into force by proclamation on October 24, 1992.