The Honourable Al Hawkins, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour, today announced more than $90,000 in funding for cultural competency training.

Memorial University’s Internationalization Office will receive $33,599 to design and deliver cultural competency training sessions for frontline Provincial Government employees, beginning with the Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development.

The Association for New Canadians will receive $57,272 to provide this training in community, private, and other workplaces throughout the province, particularly in Labrador and the central and western regions of the island.

Cultural competency training promotes attitudes, behaviours, and skills that enable a diverse group of individuals to work together effectively. Culturally competent individuals interact respectfully and meaningfully with people of diverse backgrounds and are key to an inclusive workplace.

The Child and Youth Advocate has been advised of this training, as it specifically responds to a recommendation from her investigative report The Case for Culturally Responsive Services.

The initiatives also meet a key commitment in The Way Forward on Immigration in Newfoundland and Labrador to partner with service providers, employers and community groups to develop and deliver cultural competency training.

Quotes

“Cultural competency is an important part of creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome, whether in the workplace or while receiving services. We all benefit when we enhance our ability to interact with each other in ways that respect the rich diversity of cultures.”

Honourable Al Hawkins

Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour

“This Cultural Competence Training program is welcomed as part of building a stronger and more supportive response to immigrant and refugee children and their families in this province. I am pleased to see a timely response to our recommendation on this specific issue, and one built with such credible partnerships.”

Jackie Lake-Kavanagh

Child and Youth Advocate

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Learn more

Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism – nlimmigration.ca/

The Way Forward on Immigration in Newfoundland and Labrador – www.aesl.gov.nl.ca/publications/pdf/ImmigrationPlan.pdf

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Media contacts

Ryan Crocker

Advanced Education, Skills and Labour

709-729-1795, 725-9595

RyanCrocker@gov.nl.ca

Wilma MacInnis

Office of the Child and Youth Advocate

709-753-3888